Mitsubishi Motors to Suspend Participation in the FIA World Rally Championship Series

[benyl]

Tokyo, December 14, 2005― Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that it has decided to suspend participation in the FIA World Rally Championship series from 2006.

With the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan as a basis, MMC has made a solid start toward revitalizing its business operations. However, to strengthen and build upon this base, MMC realizes that it must focus management resources on the continued promotion of the revitalization plan.

Mitsubishi Motors hopes to return to the WRC Championship series from 2008, after the completion of the 3-year revitalization plan, which covers fiscal 2005 to 2007.

This decision however does not extend to MMC’s efforts in the Dakar Rally (commonly known as Paris-Dakar). Mitsubishi Motors will continue to compete in this event.

-- Starting with an overall championship in the Safari Rally in 1974, the Mitsubishi WRC Team has accomplished a spectacular 34 wins in the WRC series. The team won the drivers’ title 4 consecutive years from 1996 to 1999, and won the prestigious manufacturers’ title in 1998.

[Newk]

Does this mean no more Evo?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

So it's down to what, 2 manufacturers now?

[Boostn]

Originally posted by Newk
Does this mean no more Evo?

I don't think taking a hiatus from the WRC means they won't build an Evo. Mitsu will probably build the Evo regardless, it's certainly their image car. Besides they'll be back in a few years. Peugeot and Citroen have done the same thing, get their company finances in order before dumping boatloads of cash into racing. You have prioritize your core business first before all else.

[Orbie]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
So it's down to what, 2 manufacturers now?

Well no and honestly Mitsu has not been doing very well in WRC really ever since Makinen, and even then that was only the driver's championship. The new power Citroen, Peugeot, and Ford still give entertaining rallies. Solberg still keeps Subaru in it from time to time but right now if Loeb keeps driving for Citroen, they'll be on top for a long time (manufacturer's and driver's).

[Zephyr]

I think they realized "oh no, we're not making money..maybe we should stop wasting money on motorsports for a few years and try to fix ourselves". With the new line of cars comming out, I think they aren't gonna do very well...especially with that frog eclipse...

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
So it's down to what, 2 manufacturers now?

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1531335.htm

Holy shit! Only Subaru and Ford are left?

Gronholm will be driving Focus.

Leob will be driving private Citreon.

WRC gonna suck next year.

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by Newk
Does this mean no more Evo?

i beleive the wrc car is based on the lancer platform, not the evo platform.

[A790]

Originally posted by Thi_Thi Subs


i beleive the wrc car is based on the lancer platform, not the evo platform.

Mitsubishi LANCER EVO VIII.............

[That.Guy.S30]

honestly, i dont thinks its the evo platform.

edit: i watch alot of wrc and its not an evo

http://www.wrc.com/page/TeamsDetail/...605282,00.html

[RickDaTuner]

Originally posted by Thi_Thi Subs
honestly, i dont thinks its the evo platform.

edit: i watch alot of wrc and its not an evo

http://www.wrc.com/page/TeamsDetail/...605282,00.html

Lancer WRC is the same as

Impreza WRC

the Evo is the lancer, the Lancer is the Evo... just differnt Trim levels

[That.Guy.S30]

^^ well if it isnt the lancer than my bad. i still dont know tho

[PrezeS_PL]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner



Lancer WRC is the same as

Impreza WRC

the Evo is the lancer, the Lancer is the Evo... just differnt Trim levels

that's not Evo, its Lancer WRC05

WRC cars had nothing to do with street car platforms, they are purpose built cars, Just like NASCAR

PWRC cars are modified street cars and in Group N are mostly STI and Evos