Can Suzuki beat Subaru in 2009?

[jens]

For a moment let's take our attention away from top contenders and have a look, what is going on behind them.

To some it may seem a long shot, but considering recent results exactly such thought or more likely question has entered my head. Subaru's progress has in way stagnated - a lot was hoped from the new 2008 challenger, but it has hardly proved to be a more competitive machinery than its predecessor. Unfortunately it has become difficult to see Subaru making further progress up the field. On the other hand, the start of Suzuki's WRC-campaign was a bit difficult as the car was both unreliable and slow, but their progress during the year has been remarkable, which are indicated by good points finishes in the last two rallies. In both rallies they have actually scored more manufacturer points than Subaru! While Subaru has stagnated, Suzuki has been improving significantly during their first full WRC-season.

Drivers-wise I don't see any problem at Suzuki too. Due to unreliability it has been quite difficult to rate them, but PG Andersson has seriously impressed me as it seems pace-wise he has at least matched Gardemeister, if not bettered him, as much as it has been possible to make comparisons. To me PGA is definetely an underrated rally driver and it would be exciting to see him in a top car and even if he isn't as good as Loeb, he may well be in the second tier. And Toni is pretty much in Hirvonen's mould - may not be the fastest driver on planet, but is quite a reliable point-scorer, which is exactly what Suzuki needs to capitalize their chances in the championship.

So, can Suzuki challenge Subaru in the fight for P3 in the 2009 manufacturers championship?

[BDunnell]

The Suzuki seems to go well in really treacherous conditions, but is it better than the Subaru in more 'normal' circumstances?

[Helstar]

Yes they can. Totally quote first post remarks.

Go PG and Suzuki !

[ProRally]

IF Suzuki continues then they could beat Subaru

[Tomi]

The Suzuki seems to go well in really treacherous conditions, but is it better than the Subaru in more 'normal' circumstances?

Actually the drivers has been allowed to drive only in Japan and GB, the reason has been too few cars.

[pettersolberg29]

No chance!

Either Petter or Chris gets a top 5 finsih almost every rally, while Suzuki only ever get low points (except today!).

Again, no chance!

[Mirek]

pettersolberg29: BUT while Subaru steadyly goes down, Suzuki steadyly goes up...

[jonas_mcrae]

No chance!

Either Petter or Chris gets a top 5 finsih almost every rally, while Suzuki only ever get low points (except today!).

Again, no chance!

haha in total denial

GO SUZUKI!!!!

[pettersolberg29]

Subaru may be poor, but Suzuki are shocking!

When Suzuki get a top 5 position everyone is amazed, while Subaru get one almost every round.

[tmx]

I haven't follow things lately, but is Suzuki planning to compete in 2009?

Anyway, no. But they can compete with the Subaru M2 team, but I expect Mads Ostberg to do well in it.