Subaru's shock rally exit

Much like its cartoon dog namesake, Scooby has got scared and ran away from the WRC. The shock news follows Suzuki's announcement only yesterday that it was to suspend its involvement in the World Rally Championship after just one season.

Subaru's departure will have a far greater impact Suzuki's, though, because Subaru is synonymous with the sport thanks to two decades of success. The Japanese maker has won six WRC titles in that time, with legends like Colin McRae and Richard Burns leading the charge.

And though the departure itself may be a real surprise, it will shock nobody that the blame lies with the global credit crunch, with both Subaru and Suzuki cutting back expenditure in the face of reduced car sales.

The announcement also spells the end for Prodrive's involvement in the WRC though the firm will continue to work with Subaru going forward, and will look to forge a partnership with another maker for the 2010 WRC season.

Prodrive chairman David Richards said: “Subaru's departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport's icons. Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive's history, our focus now turns to the future.”

And rallying is not the only motorsport feeling the pinch of the global financial crisis. Honda announced earlier this month that it would be leaving Formula One with immediate effect, and is now looking to sell the team or risk making up to 700 staff redundant.

Mark Nichol