http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67077
Suzuki's immediate future in the World Rally Championship has been questioned following rumours in the WRC service park that the Japanese firm is ready to pull the plug on the SX4 WRC at the end of the season.
Suzuki developed the SX4 WRC - their first ever World Rally Car - with a long-term future in mind. When they began the project, there was talk of the current regulations continuing until 2012. Now, however, the car will be obsolete by the end of next season.
Sources close to the Suzuki World Rally Team say the European-based outfit have hinted at a WRC withdrawal for next year, in favour of developing a new Super 2000-plus SX4 through 2009 in readiness for a world championship return in 2010.
The firm's manufacturer representative Keiichi Suzuki denied the decision had been taken, saying: "We expected to use SX4 WRC until 2012. But now the rules changes come early, for 2010. We will start to discuss the future soon, but nothing is decided."
Suzuki categorically denied rumours that the team would not start the next round in Sardinia. He did add, however, that the team might be without team principal Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima for a second rally in succession. Tajima missed the Jordan Rally due to illness.
There was talk, however, that Tajima's absence could be longer term following more speculation that he and Suzuki had parted company. Again, Keicchi Suzuki declined to confirm that Tajima would be present on round six.
"It depends on his schedule," is all he would add.