Image: ©willyweyens-rallyworld
Fuji Heavy Industries took the decision to pull out of the WRC on Saturday 13th December according to wrc.com.
The reasons given for the withdrawal were the economic downturn and that the sporting and commercial goals set out by the company had been achieved.
Ikuo Mori the President of FHI announced the decision at a press conference in Tokyo this morning:
We have achieved our initial objective to improve the brand recognition. And also given the unprecedented economic situation deterioration, it was necessary to review our investments. These are the main reasons.
If we can be allowed, we want to continue - especially for the fans. The possibility of a Subaru car back in the top category of WRC in the future is not zero, however for this moment there can be no assumption of a comeback."
Mori added:
Reaching the decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least because of the countless Subaru fans that have supported our cars for so many years. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans' strong and loyal support worldwide. They will remain an invaluable treasure for us."
Mori denied that the new WRC technical regulations being introduced or problems with Prodrive had not influenced the decision. Prodrive representatives flew to Japan this morning to begin the process of winding up the contract, which was due to expire at the end of 2009.
Source: wrc.com
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Hope you guys aren’t withdrawin for good?
That would really suck.