Subaru and Mitsubishi developing R4 versions of the Impreza and Lancer

Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Mitsubishi are both developing high performance versions of their existing Group N cars to enable them to compete on level terms with their Super 2000 rivals next year.

Armindo Araujo driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4 prototype

Work on the cars, based on the firms Impreza and Lancer models, began earlier this month after the FIA World Motor Sport Council gave the green light to a new ‘R4’specification.

An R4 kit, homologated by the current Group N manufacturers, should enhance the performance of the two-litre turbo cars, bringing them in line with the normally aspirated Super 2000s.

The R4 class could lead to Imprezas and Lancers competing alongside Super 2000 cars in the 2011 SWRC, and should also give the turbo cars a boost in national rallies where they already compete in the same category as the S2000s.

Prodrive releases Group N Spec Subaru Impreza N2010 [UK]

18 January 2010. Prodrive releases new Impreza Group N

Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car.

The Impreza N2010 uses the new larger 33mm air restrictor, introduced by the FIA to help balance the performance of Group N and the unrestricted Super2000 rally cars. Increasing the restrictor diameter from 32 to 33mm, fitting high flow fuel injectors and recalibrating the ECU increases peak power by 20 bhp, but more significantly, improves torque and responsiveness throughout the rev range.

The improvements in engine performance have been matched by enhancements to the car’s dynamics. The N2010 Ohlins dampers have been revised with extra travel front and rear, while all the suspension bushes have been strengthened.

“The engine and suspension changes make the N2010 far more competitive,” said Graham Prew, Prodrive sales manager. “On gravel the Impreza is certainly a match for any Super 2000, but it is on tarmac, that the additional engine performance will really come into its own and make the N2010 a competitive alternative to a Super 2000, but at about half the price and with significantly lower running costs.”

The Impreza N2010 prices start at £120,000 and for the first time Prodrive has introduced a financing option to enable the car to be leased over two years with an option to buy the car at the end of the agreement. The package includes insurance and system rebuilds.

Subaru pulls out of WRC, following Suzuki's withdrawal

Subaru to withdraw from World Rally Championship

16 December 2008
Subaru has announced its decision to withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship

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 20 years in the sport, during which time the Prodrive-run Subaru World Rally Team has won six World Rally Championship titles, this is not only sad news for Subaru and the team, but also for millions of rallying fans around the world. Thanks to its highly successful World Rally Championship programme, Subaru has developed into one of the world’s most widely recognised and evocative automotive brands.

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.”

For many, Prodrive and Subaru are synonymous, given the long-standing and close association between the two companies. However, while the Subaru World Rally Team historically represented a significant part of Prodrive’s business, today it accounts for no more than 20 per cent of the company’s turnover.

Prodrive will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations, which have grown to span advanced engineering and manufacturing for the automotive, defence, marine and aerospace industries, in addition to other motorsport programmes.

Despite the current economic downturn, Prodrive’s automotive engineering business remains buoyant as it works with vehicle manufacturers to accelerate the development of next generation fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuel technologies.

Together with Subaru, Prodrive’s commitment to its customer rally teams will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond. Over the past 15 years, Prodrive has sold close to 500 rally cars to more than 400 private competitors and independent rally teams in 47 countries. During this time, Prodrive’s customers have won five consecutive Production World Rally Championships and countless international rallies. In 2008, Prodrive-supported customer teams have claimed eight rally championship titles around the world.

Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success.

Rally Japan 2008 to be known as PIONEER Carrozzeria Rally Japan

New Name for the Rally - PIONEER Carrozzeria Rally Japan
2008.07/28

On July 22, Rally Japan Organising held a press conference in Tokyo. It was held to announce the new title of the event − PIONEER CORPORATION, the world famous audio components maker. Rally Japan, Round 14 of the FIA World Rally Championship 2008 will run on October 30 − November 2 in the central part of Hokkaido under a new name PIONEER carrozzeria Rally Japan.

Ichiro KAMOSHITA [The Environment Minister (Center)], Mr. Toshihiro ARAI (Right) and Mr. Katsuhiko TAGUCHI (Left)

Three rally cars − Subaru Impreza WRC 2008, Suzuki SX4 WRC and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X were displayed on the event stage where the Pirelli girls greeted more than 200 media representatives. On behalf of the Organisers Nobuyuki IDEI, the Event Chairman, encouraged the media to look forward to the all-new Rally Japan. Ichiro KAMOSHITA, the Environment Minister and the head of the Liberal Democratic Party members union for motor sports promotion was also present at the official announcement. His comment was: "Please make Rally Japan a true people's event". The Executive Director of Sapporo Dome Takeshi SETO wished the event a great success and expressed high expectations on behalf of all administration representatives and other parties involved.

The summary of the event was also give at the conference. The Service park, the Rally HQ, the Media center and the Super Special Stage will all be located at the Sapporo Dome. Besides that Shin-Chitose purpose built stage, which will be used on Day 2 and Day 3 of the Rally, was introduced. The stage is located on the existing off-road course 10 minutes away by taxi from the Shin-Chitose airport. On Day 3 the final stage of the event will run here thus giving the spectators an excellent opportunity to witness the moment of winning the Rally.

A presentation on Rally Japan long running environmental effort was also given at the media conference.

Katsuhiko Taguchi (in red shirt) [Mitsubishi] and Toshi Arai (in blue shirt) [Subaru]

Two special guests were invited to attend the conference − 2005 and 2007 PWRC champion Toshihiro ARAI and the current Asia Pacific Rally Championship points leader Katsuhiko TAGUCHI. ARAI said: "I am very excited about the coming event and will try to do my best there, please come and watch". TAGUCHI, who won Rally Japan Group N category in 2007 has finalized the arrangements to participate in this year event using Lancer Evolution X. He said: "Since this year the event will be held in Sapporo I hope more people can come to watch the rally. In my turn I will try to have a drive that would meet everyone's expectations".

-Rally Japan

New Subaru Impreza WRC2008 to launch in Greece

Impreza WRC2008 to launch in Greece
20 May 2008
The Subaru World Rally Team and STI are pleased to announce the launch date of the Impreza WRC2008. The most radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years, the WRC2008 is ready to make its debut on the seventh round of this year’s World Rally Championship, the Acropolis Rally of Greece, from 29 May – 1 June.

The event will be marked by an official launch in Greece on the evening of Wednesday 28 May, prior to the start of the rally.
The new car is based on the latest road going Subaru Impreza which was introduced in June 2007. Although featuring radically new styling the Impreza WRC2008 retains the well proven Subaru horizontally-opposed turbocharged engine combined with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. The WRC2008 will also sport a dramatic new livery created around the Subaru corporate identity but at the same time preserving the iconic blue identity familiar to rally fans worldwide.

“We are very excited to be able to launch the all-new Impreza WRC2008 ahead of schedule” said David Richards, Subaru World Rally Team principal. “It is testament to the dedication and commitment of the team behind the scenes in the UK and at STI in Japan. Just as the latest Impreza road car represents a new era for Subaru so the WRC2008 represents a new era for all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team and I am confident that we will arrive in Greece able to fight competitively.”

The team’s objective has always been to launch the WRC2008 as soon as the testing confirmed that good steps forward in overall performance had been made. We are confident that introducing the car in Greece will enable the team to be highly competitive in the second half of the season and give Petter and Chris the best opportunity to win in 2008.

A new area of the team’s website has been launched to coincide with the official unveiling, counting down to the actual launch and heralding the team’s new era whilst celebrating the Impreza’s remarkable heritage at the forefront of world rallying. At the time of the official launch on 28 May, the site will be updated with more information on the WRC2008 including facts & figures and interviews with key team personnel.

Solberg [Subaru] retires from Rally Argentina, losing 2nd place to Atkinson

Rally Argentina, 30 March 2008
Joy and heartbreak for SWRT in ruthless Argentine finale
Chris Atkinson and Stéphane Prévot finished Rally Argentina in second position overall, making it three out of four podiums from the 2008 season. Team-mates Petter Solberg and Phil Mills were however dealt a cruel blow, being forced into retirement from second position with only two stages to go after complete electrical failure.

Following a fantastic performance that saw them climb to second position overall on Saturday’s stages, Solberg and Mills suffered the cruellest of fates as their Impreza WRC2007 rolled to a stop midway through the first stage of the morning as they lost all electrical power. The duo were denied what would have been their best result since Rally Portugal last year.

“I am desperately disappointed for Petter and Phil” said David Richards, Subaru World Rally Team Principal. “Petter is showing such renewed enthusiasm since we’ve got the car more to his liking, and despite this setback I’m feeling increasingly confident for the rest of the season. In Chris’ case, his maturity in these extraordinarily tough conditions has delivered him yet another excellent result.”

Solberg and Mills attempted roadside repairs to their stricken car but were unable to locate the source of the problem and rectify it within the time they had available, exceeding the stage time limit despite their best efforts. The crestfallen duo were unable to complete the final day of a rally on which they demonstrated a reinvigorated level of performance.
In the ensuing reshuffle of the overall standings, Atkinson and Prévot were promoted to second position overall. Fully aware of the hazards posed by the trickiest of the rally’s stages, the duo continued their measured and mature drive to bring their Impreza home on the middle step of the podium. The result means that Atkinson has had his best ever start to a WRC season, scoring an impressive three podium finishes from the first four events of the year.

“It’s been such a hard weekend it’s more of a relief to finish!” said Chris Atkinson. “Another podium is fantastic for us and for the team, there’s nothing that motivates the guys more than a great result at the end of all the hard work. The feeling in the car was just so much more consistent this weekend and it was easier to drive so I was able to push without making any big mistakes. It’s clear we’ve taken some good steps forward with the car this year and it’s sort of a surprise for me to be third in the championship at the moment. It’s a real shame about Petter as he was going very well and we should have had two cars on the podium, but it demonstrates that we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

Atkinson’s second place in Argentina moves him into third overall in the Drivers’ Championship, just three points behind second-placed Hirvonen (Ford). The Subaru World Rally Team emerge from South America in third position overall in the Manufacturers’ Championship, but as a result of the electrical problems lost a potential eight points that would have put them within just three of the lead.

The final day of competition provided a short but sharp sting in the tail to this gruelling event. Crews tackled only two full-length stages and a third and final running of the short spectator stage in the ground of the Cordoba Stadium that has proved so popular with fans this weekend. The day’s competitive distance was less than a third of that on Friday and Saturday at just over 40 kilometres.
A combination of high altitude and stages that rose steeply as they twisted and snaked their way up and back down the El Condor mountain, today’s tests were the hardest of the rally. Whilst engines struggled for power in the thin air, an equally treacherous layer of mud on the roads made the level of grip even more unpredictable and challenging.

-Subaru WRT

SWRT Rally Mexico Preview

Rally Mexico, 29 February-02 March 2008
Gravel roads, new tyres and mountain peaks as SWRT goes West

Petter Solberg, 2007 Rally Mexico

The Subaru World Rally Team will travel west to the Americas for the third event of the season, the Corona Rally Mexico, after its late inclusion in this year’s WRC calendar. The first traditional gravel rally of the year is also the first long-haul event, and the only time the crews will visit the North American continent.

Based in the city of Leon in the Guanajuato region of Mexico’s central highlands, the event promises very different conditions to any seen so far this year in either Monte Carlo or Sweden. On the event where the Impreza WRC2007 was launched last year, crews will compete for the first time on Pirelli’s new Scorpion gravel championship control tyre, available in only one compound and tread pattern. It will be the third different tyre design crews have used in the first three events of the year.

Crews are banned from cutting the tread of their tyres this year, which on gravel typically meant opening up the tread pattern to maximise the tyre’s ability to cut through the loose surface. This will mean road position is crucial as those further down the order will benefit from road cleaning, meaning a smoothing of the loose surface that will afford the standard tread better traction.
The region’s hard-packed gravel roads are some of the highest of the year. Generally fast, they are tricky as they don’t naturally flow through the mountainous terrain. The challenging combination of high and slow-speed sections make it difficult for crews to establish a rhythm along the sometimes narrow and technical tests. Those who are smoothest will improve the life and therefore grip from their tyres on the abrasive surface where tyre wear is very high.

These conditions traditionally suit Subaru very well, and Petter Solberg and Phil Mills won here in 2005 and established an early lead last year before being forced into retirement. Chris Atkinson also held second position last year before running into difficulty and finishing fifth.

The route is much the same as last year with only minor additions to sections of the Ortega and El Cubilete speed tests. Rally Mexico is the most compact route in the WRC, and this year is even more so than last with a total distance of just 830 kilometres. The 354 competitive kilometres of gravel roads traverse the mountains of the Sierra de Lobos and Sierra de Guanajuato to the east of Leon, reaching a peak altitude of just over 2700 metres where the oxygen is thin and engines struggle to develop power.

The event opens with a ceremonial start on Thursday night in front of the Alhondiga de Granaditas, an historic grain storage building which now serves as a regional museum. A change from the first two events, the weather forecast is dry and windy, with temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius. Each day is concluded by a 2.21km spectator stage, located 15km south-west of Leon, which will be run a total of five times over the three days to bring the action from the mountains to the local fans.

Entries
The Subaru World Rally Team have entered two Impreza WRC2007s for Rally Mexico. Petter Solberg / Phil Mills will drive car number five and Chris Atkinson / Stéphane Prévot will be in car number six. Solberg and Mills have finished on the podium twice in the last three years. Atkinson finished fifth last year, his best result in Mexico, but this will be his first running of the event alongside Prévot.

Team quotes
David Richards, Subaru World Rally Team Principal: “Mexico is a totally different challenge to that we have seen so far this year. It’s an event on which Subaru have a good record, and it really demonstrates the strength of our engine. Petter and Chris ran strongly on this event last year and, using the same car that we debuted then, I expect our performance to put us firmly towards the top of the timesheets.”

Paul Howarth, Subaru World Rally Team operations director: “We’ve gone well in Mexico in the past and the conditions suit both drivers and our cars. Recent tests with Pirelli’s new Scorpion tyre have been positive, but have shown that tyre wear will be a real factor in what we consider to be an endurance event. The stages will be a lot cleaner for the second passes and road position is important. You will lose time starting first on the road as for those further back there will be more grip as the surface becomes cleaner. The roads do get very abrasive though as the loose surface is swept away, and as grip increases, the tyres have to really work hard.”

Driver quotes
Petter Solberg: “We go to Mexico knowing that we have won here in the past, but we don’t approach it any differently to Monte or Sweden. We made some good steps forward in the test last week, so we go to Mexico with a good setup. We’ll drive our own rally, push as hard as we can and see what happens. I hope we will be strong again here as it’s good for everyone if we can be fighting at the front.”

Chris Atkinson: “It’s a difficult rally with the altitude and the conditions, but we approach it with the same strategy as we have started this year with. Last year we had a good result and good pace on the first day, so if we can maintain consistency throughout the event then I hope we can get a good finish. We have a strong engine in the car that seems to perform well at altitude which I think is one of the reasons we go well here. I like the feeling of the rally as it’s good to have such a variation in speed and conditions that keeps you entertained! Visually it’s appealing and very different, and that’s what rallying is all about.”

Between the rallies
After the Swedish Rally both Impreza WRC2007s travelled straight to Spain for a four day gravel test ahead of Rally Mexico. The duo of Solberg and Mills completed two and a half days, and the pairing of Atkinson and Prévot completed one and a half days to develop a setup for Mexico and the remaining gravel rallies and to test Pirelli’s new gravel tyre. The team also tested suspension and damper components in what was the final test for the WRC2007 as the emphasis shifts to the Impreza WRC2008.

-SWRT

2008 Subaru WRX STi to be unveiled in the 40th Tokyo Motors Show [JA]

Subaru offers the new AWD performance icon

Concept

The new WRX STI was developed with the eternal theme and essence of the driver’s car, the “total driving control,” that the preceding WRX STI models also pursued. This AWD sports model gives maximum driving pleasure through its combination of power, performance, handling and ride capabilities thanks to engineering exclusively designed for the WRX STI and its five-door package. It also balances excellent safety and environmental aspects at a high level.
Styling

Using a new five-door body style developed from the Impreza model, the new Impreza WRX STI displays a powerful design language that speaks directly to its performance credentials, integrating function and beauty. Adopting shortened front and rear overhangs, a longer wheelbase and widened body flares, the Impreza WRX STI clearly embodies driving performance in dynamic exterior design that delivers as overwhelming presence and beauty.


Performance

The new Horizontally-Opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine was developed exclusively for the new WRX STI. By further improving the basic performance of the engine, and mating it to SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), the WRX STI offers not only outright performance as might be expected, but also delivers excellent handling under extreme as well as normal driving conditions.

Featuring Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD and specially developed in-house 6-speed manual transmission as its base technologies, multi mode DCCD* and VDC**, which control traction and stability more precisely, have also been added to WRX STI. To complete its performance credentials, the evolved chassis by “Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept” has dramatically improved road-hugging capability and will provide exhilaration and confidence in every driving situation.

Gallery:













-Subaru, FHI

All-New Subaru Impreza WRC Concept

Fuji Heavy Industries Unveils New Subaru Vehicles at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show

Tokyo, August 9, 2007 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA), which will be held in Frankfurt am Main from September 15 through 23, 2007 (press days are September 11 and 12). Highlights of the Subaru booth this year will be three new models soon to be introduced in many European countries, as well as the Subaru WRC Concept.

FHI will hold a press conference at the Subaru booth at 14:00 September 11. Masatsugu Nagato, FHI’s Director, Executive Vice President in charge of European markets, and Petter Solberg, a Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) driver, will be present to speak with the media.

Major Exhibits


Subaru Impreza


Subaru Impreza


► Subaru Impreza
FHI debuts the third-generation Impreza for the European market. Developed around the concept of new and more refined designs for comfort, the Impreza will be fitted with either the 1.5-liter or the 2.0-liter engine, both of which feature Subaru Symmetrical AWD.


Subaru Tribeca


Subaru Tribeca

► Subaru Tribeca
With new exterior designs featuring substantial changes to its front, the new Tribeca, always advancing the concept of a progressive SUV, has been greatly improved. Incorporating a newly designed horizontally opposed engine, the Tribeca has skillfully combined outstanding driving performance and sophisticated styling.


► Subaru Justy
The new Justy is positioned as an entry-level car in Subaru’s lineup. While offering superb maneuverability and cabin roominess, the new Justy boasts exceptional fuel economy and low emission levels. The new Justy will be supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., under an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with FHI.


Subaru WRC Concept


Subaru WRC Concept

► Subaru WRC Concept
The Concept Car, based on the new Impreza, conjures up images of future styling trends for a world rally car.

► Other displays
FHI will exhibit its horizontally opposed diesel engine, the Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel, which FHI plans to introduce in Europe in 2008. Also on display is the Subaru R1e, an electric vehicle already in use in Japan, shown as an example of FHI’s commitment to developing environmentally friendly technologies.

-FHI, Subaru

Travis Pastrana goes WRC

Subaru Rally Team USA's Travis Pastrana has announced a three year program which will see the young American star contesting WRC events as early as 2007, culminating with a full FIA Production car World Rally Championship bid in 2008 and 2009. Pastrana will also continue his Rally America campaign in an effort to defend the title he won this year.

Subaru Rally Team USA announced today that it will contest three Group N events in 2007 with Pastrana at the helm of a Subaru Impreza. The team looks to be the first American company to run an American driver in international rally competition. Though the events which Pastrana will contest have not been confirmed, a source at Vermont SportsCar, the company which prepares the Imprezas for the Subaru Rally Team USA, stated that initial planning indicates Corona Rally Mexico, Rallye Argentina and Wales Rally GB as the three events.

"Our recently announced 3-year extension with Travis Pastrana as a driver for Subaru Rally Team USA shows our commitment to Travis, the Rally America National Championship, and the sport of rally," said James Han of Subaru of America, Inc. "The prospect of developing a driving talent such as Travis with the goal of having an American compete successfully at the WRC level is an exciting one. Although the team's primary objective in 2007 will be to retain the Rally America title in our Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally cars, evaluating development opportunities for Travis is also a key priority."

The next outing for Pastrana in a rally car will be this weekend at the Race of Champions, where he will represent America's rally talent against the likes of Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm.

-WRC.com

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi RB320

Subaru has announced a new special edition Impreza WRX STI in memory of rally hero Richard Burns who died in November last year of cancer.

Called the RB320, the new car features around £6,000 worth of extra equipment including the 320 PS Prodrive Performance Pack, yet costs £29,995 on-the-road – an increase of only £3,500. Available only in Obsidian Black, the RB320 features bespoke 18 ins alloy wheels and specially developed Prodrive suspension comprising Bilstein dampers, a sports spring kit with revised rear anti-roll bar and a ride height lowered by 30 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear.

Also standard on the RB320 are a chrome mesh front grille, front lip spoiler, quickshift gearchange, side sill plates and RB320-branded gear knob, carpet mats and exclusive exterior badging. Each owner will also receive an individually numbered black alloy tax disc holder.

The PPP boosts power to 320 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque leaping to 332 lb ft at 3,700 rpm. This reduces the 0-60 mph time to 4.8 seconds with a 0-100 mph time of 12.2 seconds.

And as a further incentive, those customers placing early orders with deposits will be offered a limited number of places at a special RB320 launch event next March at Prodrive’s test track in Warwickshire. Not only will RB320 fans take delivery of their cars at the circuit but will be able to drive demonstration STIs around the track and meet rally celebrities.

In addition, customers will also be able to register on-line and reserve the limited-edition number of their choice via a special sub-section of Subaru’s website.

Finally, the first car is to be given away in a special raffle organised by Autosport magazine, donated by Subaru (UK) Limited. The proceeds will go to the Richard Burns Foundation which helps those suffering from serious injury and illness.

Subaru rally ace, Richard Burns – holder of the FIA World Rally Championship driver’s title – died in November 2005 of brain cancer at the age of 32.

-Subaru UK

Valentino Rossi to drive a privateer Subaru Impreza in WRC Rally New Zealand

Rossi in New Zealand

Now that entries for the event have closed, it is confirmed that MotoGP star Valentino Rossi has entered this year's Propecia Rally New Zealand, the penultimate round of the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship.



The Italian star will drive a Subaru Impreza S11 World Rally Car but as a private entry and not an official part of the Subaru World Rally Team.

SWRT Managing Director Richard Taylor told WRC.com; "Valentino has entered Rally New Zealand privately in his own name. He will however be driving a car supplied by us; in fact, the car which Chris Atkinson drove in Germany this year."

Taylor also confirmed that the exact details of how the car will be run are yet to be finalised; "There's still a bit of work to do on the details and it may be run alongside the Subaru team. But it will certainly not be an SWRT-liveried car."

Rossi has competed in the WRC only once before, Rally GB in 2002, at the wheel of a Grifone-run and Michelin-supported Peugeot 205WRC. However, his was a short event, as he went off the road early on the first day.



The choice of a Subaru for this occasion comes after previous outings with the Japanese marque. "Valentino has driven a car with us several times before, at Monza and Bologna and said that he would like to do another WRC event. New Zealand has been discussed for several months, as it fits in with his MotoGP programme and it's an event he would like to compete in."

Rossi's Yamaha runs on Michelin tyres in the MotoGP series but when he has driven Subarus, he has run on Pirelli tyres, the same as the SWRT. Taylor also confirmed that this is one area that is still to be confirmed.

"I think this is great news," Taylor said. "It's wonderful that he is this interested in the WRC and of course, we're glad that he will be driving a Subaru."

-WRC.com

Travis Pastrana wins Gold in Rally Racing at X-Games USA

Congratulations to Travis Pastrana and the Subaru Rally Team USA for taking victory in the first ever X Games Rally. Pastrana narrowly edged out the guest of honour and 1995 World Champion Colin McRae after the former champion rolled his car during the final seconds of his superspecial run.





Pastrana began the day less than one second behind McRae in the overall standings, and after a clean run through the Home Depot Center Superspecial, the multi-sport and X Games regular set the bar high for McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist. McRae, who lost valuable time during the roll, still finished the stage with the second quickest time, even with a blown tyre.

Ken Block, team-mate to Pastrana, finished the event third overall. Block, like McRae, was competing in his first X Games and found bronze with his performance. Pastrana, who was fresh from a magnificent performance during the previous night¹s Moto X Best Trick contest, captured his second gold medal in as many days.