Subaru to withdraw from WRC

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The news comes just one day after Suzuki also confirmed that they are to quit the WRC, and less than a fortnight after Honda sent shockwaves through motorsport by withdrawing from Formula One.

The Prodrive-run Subaru team emerged as an iconic WRC marque during 20 years in the sport which delivered three constructors titles and three drivers titles from Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.

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.

"The Subaru World Rally Team have created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and their absence will be felt by many the world over.

"Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive's history, our focus now turns to the future."

While once a dominant force in the WRC, Subaru's star has waned in recent years, with the likes of Citroen and Ford having usurped the Japanese manufacturer at the head of the order.

Subaru's last title came with Solberg in 2003, since when the team have finished third in the standings on four occasions.

Prodrive have revealed that they will be looking to redeploy staff assigned to the WRC programme, which accounts for around 20% of the company's turnover.

The team statement confirmed that Prodrive remain in a strong position despite the gloomy economic outlook, and hope to return to the WRC with a new team in 2010, when a raft of new technical regulations will be implemented.