Subaru could return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the future, FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem has revealed.
The three-time constructors’ world champion became synonymous with the WRC in the 1990s and 2000s, winning the drivers’ title with Colin McRae (1995), Richard Burns (2001) and Petter Solberg (2003). Due to the global financial crisis, Subaru withdrew from the WRC at the end of 2008.
However, the marque remains active in rallying through the Subaru Motorsports USA program, which competes in the American Rally Association. The team recently developed a new WRX rally car.
On the sidelines of the Acropolis Rally, bin Sulayem revealed that discussions are underway about a return of the brand to the premier class of rallying.
The talks are being supported by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, a passionate supporter of the WRC who has actively sought to bring new brands into the WRC. Toyota already owns a stake in the Subaru brand.
“It’s no secret that I had a good meeting with Mr. Akio Toyoda and I asked him what we can do to bring manufacturers into the WRC. That’s when I heard someone who is passionate. And he mentioned Subaru,” says bin Sulayem.
“They own a stake in Subaru, and they will support a Subaru initiative. And I feel like when someone like him speaks, he speaks with confidence. I hope some of that gets put into action. I think , more manufacturers are good.”
The WRC is currently actively looking for new brands to join the world championship, with the FIA stating that four manufacturers would be an ideal target for the future. Currently, Toyota and Hyundai are the only manufacturers represented full-time in the World Cup, while Ford competes in a semi-works car through its long-term partner M-Sport.
If discussions with Subaru develop further, the WRC rule change expected in 2027 would be the best time window for a return to the WRC.
One hurdle Subaru has to overcome is the engine, as the brand doesn’t have a power unit that meets WRC regulations. However, Bin Sulayem has hinted that Toyota could help in this area.
“I see positive signs from the chairman of Toyota to convince Subaru to come back and make the engine available, because Subaru’s problem is the engine. It’s not the car, it’s the engine they have. And I see there really are some signs of optimism,” says bin Sulayem.