Citroen & Peugeot pull out of WRC!
 

wtf!

Just days after being boosted by Ford's new four-year commitment, the World championship has been rocked by the decision of Citroen and Peugeot to pull out at the end of 2005.

In the past five years, Peugeot and Citroën have combined to win five manufacturers' championships and three drivers' titles, but a statement issued on behalf of both teams by their parent group, PSA, blamed the general automobile market for a review of its involvement.


"Tougher prevailing conditions in the automotive industry have led to a review of PSA Peugeot Citroën's motorsports activities," an official PSA statement read. "Peugeot and Citroen will remain strongly committed to the world rally championship in 2005, the group has decided that the marques will no longer take part beyond that date."


The double withdrawal comes just days after Ford announced it was to continue with the M-Sport team, and will leave the championship with a handful of factory-supported teams in 2006.

Ford should be joined by Subaru, Mitsubishi and Skoda - although the latter trio are not yet confirmed beyond 2005 - but the loss of Peugeot and Citroen will leave at least four top-flight drivers looking for alternative employment, including multiple world champion Marcus Gronholm and new title-holder Sebastien Loeb.


The future of current Ford driver Markko Martin may also be more focused by the announcement, as he had been tipped to join Peugeot at the end of 2004.

The thought of a single season in what has proven to be a recalcitrant 307 WRC may now be enough to convince the Estonian to re-sign with Ford.



http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sp...p?story=579795