It has been reported that Suzuki has pulled out of world rallying due to the global economic downturn. The carmaker only survived one season in the World Rally Championship having started in the junior WRC in 2002. 

In a statement the Japanese manufacturer said it had ‘decided to focus on the core business functions’. Like Honda, which recently withdrew from F1, Suzuki said its decision was based on the recent economic crisis.

‘In responding to the contraction of the automotive sales caused by recent global economic turmoil, Suzuki has been promptly taking possible countermeasures, including the reassessment of its global production output,’ said Suzuki’s statement.

‘To secure its own business environment for tomorrow, the organisation reviews every aspect of the operations and decided to focus on the core business functions such as the manufacturing system, environment technologies and development of new-generation powertrains. As a result, Suzuki concluded to suspend the WRC activities from 2009.’

Subaru has pulled out of the world rally championship citing the global economic crisis. The manufacturer joins Suzuki, which announced its exit from the championship yesterday. Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, said on Tuesday it would exit WRC, leaving just Ford and Citroen for the 2009 season.

Carmakers are under serious pressure to reduce spending and motorsport is one of the more obvious cost-cutting measures, although the sudden departures of two manufacturers will be a serious blow for rallying. Subaru has been involved with the sport since the nineties and built much of its reputation for Subaru road cars on its rallying glory.

Prodrive have led the Subaru team to six world titles, so it will be a massive blow for them. The Prodrive company is based in Bandbury has said it will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations.

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.’