Suzuki delays WRC entry until 2008

The Japanese manufacturer, who unveiled a concept car based on their SX4 model back in February, was scheduled to make its debut at this time next year, at the start of the proposed 2007/08 'winter' WRC.

However, the FIA announced earlier this month that it was now not going to switch to a season that ran from August to June of the following year, and would instead stick with a traditional January to December season.

As Suzuki will not be ready to join the category at the beginning of next year, the firm has confirmed it will now join full-time in '08.

Nobuhiro Tajima, team principal of the Suzuki World Rally Team, explained the decision: "On July 4 2006 in Tokyo, Japan, in conjunction with the official release and introduction of the SX4 model to the Japan domestic market, Mr Hiroshi Tsuda once again confirmed Suzuki's intentions to enter the 2008 WRC with the SX4 World Rally Car on the proposed start date of August 2007.

"The following day in Paris, the FIA World Motorsport Council decided upon many issues with regard to the future of the WRC.  One of the decisions that was made was to reject the previously supported winter season concept.

"In consideration of this decision I would now like to announce that Suzuki's aim will be to commence its first full WRC season in January 2008."

However, the manufacturer still intends to enter some events in the latter half of 2007, provided an agreement can be reach on how that can be done.

"It is Suzuki's intention to enter several WRC events with the SX4 World Rally Car 
during the 2007 season for the purpose of testing and development," he added, "however whether this can take place will be subject to successful future negotiations with the FIA."

The ongoing development and testing of the SX4 World Rally Car will be managed the headquarters of Suzuki Sport Company in Japan.