'Back to basics' for Subaru

Subaru failed to win a single round of the World Rally Championship last year and Richards will take a more hands-on approach to running the team now that he is no longer involved in the commercial side of the sport.

Speaking on stage at the Autosport International show, Richards said that he wants the team to simplify their approach.

"There is (going to be) back to basics in a lot of areas," explained Richards. "Sometimes racing teams do, and I have seen it with the very best teams, just get lost for a period of time.

"One problem compounds another one and you have to tear it all to bits, take it back to basics and build the whole process again. One mistake on top of another and you compound the problem yourself."

Richards said he was looking forward to a return to active involvement in the team.

"I would say there are times in the life of a business where I delegate to people, don't get involved and let them get on with it," he said. "And there are times where I feel I can offer assistance and help. And maybe I can.

"I have separated myself from the commercial side of the championship now, which I was actively involved in establishing. That is now on its own, so I can afford to get back onto the team side of things. So I am looking forward to that."