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Auto Racing Daily: World Rally Championship

Credit Crunch Impact: 50% Decrease In Entries For Rally IrelandYesterday

The global financial crisis appears to have had a major effect on the number of entries, with the 2009 race attracting less than half the entry for the last Rally Ireland (in 2007), and roughly half the average entry for the rallies on the 2008 calendar.

Atkinson To Join Citroen Team Next YearDecember 27 2008

The Citroen team has extended Chris Atkinson a rally career lifeline - asking him to be part of its M2 (manufacturer’s team) program in 2009. He was left stranded when the Subaru World Rally Team announced it was pulling out of the sport due to the global financial crisis and a fall in car sales.

The Exodus Continues: Subaru Leaves World Rally ChampionshipDecember 16 2008

This sudden decision was in response to the widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry, and follows Suzuki’s withdrawal announced yesterday. 

After Suzuki, Subaru Decides To Withdraw From World Rally ChampionshipDecember 16 2008

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 has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its 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.”

Suzuki Latest To Bail-Out of Motorsport - Leaves WRCDecember 15 2008

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled out of next year’s FIA World Rally Championship citing a drop in sales due to the global financial crisis.