Lapworth leaves Subaru team

Despite denials to the contrary since the Swedish Rally, the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that Lapworth will leave the squad to work on a new, unspecified project within Prodrive, who run Subaru's WRC effort.

Paul Howarth, SWRT operations director, will take on responsibility for the team operationally and technically in events from next weekend's round in Mexico.

Director of engineering Steve Farrell will continue with his responsibility for the team's engineering design and development.

"I have worked with Subaru for a long time in the WRC and have been fortunate to be involved in many World championship Successes," Lapworth said.

"I have very much enjoyed myself and it will not be easy to move from the team, however I am confident that I am leaving a very strong technical team who will take Subaru forward to the challenge of my new role within the Prodrive organisation."

Subaru have had a poor start to the season, with lead driver Petter Solberg retiring early in the Monte Carlos Rally, and encountering a host of problems before being excluded from the Swedish Rally.

By contrast, their rival teams have shone. Ford have taken two victories for Marcus Gronholm and Kronos Citroen have scored a brace of second places for Sebastien Loeb.

SWRT managing director Richard Taylor paid tribute to Lapworth, 50, who became technical director in 2000.

He said: "As one of the founding members of the team, David's contribution to its success over the past 17 years has been invaluable and we owe him a big debt of gratitude.

"In advance of the move, the team has, over the last four months, made a number of management changes and organisation changes, increasing the level of technical collaboration with Subaru in Japan.

"We have a formidable team of people and are very confident that we are fully equipped for the challenges ahead."

SWRT manufacturer principal Toshiya Azuma added: "David played a big part in six World Rally Championship wins and we are very grateful for his contribution over such a long period of time. We wish him ever success in his new role."