In response to the growing speculation with regard to Suzuki's future WRC plans, Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd. President and Suzuki World Rally Team Principal, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, have today announced that Suzuki will now enter the WRC championship with the Suzuki SX4 World Rally Car in January 2008.

Earlier communication suggested Suzuki would begin their WRC assault from August 2007, however such plans were unfortunately put on hold following FIA World Motorsport Council's decision to alter the WRC calendar season. The previously suggested 'new winter season' concept, creating a shorter calender for the initial part of 2007 followed by a 'long winter season' commencing in the month of August, was rejected by FIA in favour of remaining with their current format of a January - December season.

In consideration of this decision, Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd. President and Suzuki World Rally Team Principal, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, will now move forward with plans to enter several WRC events with the SX4 throughout the 2007 season for the purpose of testing and development.

The ongoing development and testing of the SX4 World Rally Car will be managed and coordinated at the Headquarters of Suzuki Sport Co.Ltd. in Japan in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Suzuki Sport Europe (UK) will continue to function as the Junior World Rally Team base and is fully focussed on winning the 2006 JWRC Championship title.

Suzuki Sport Europe (Hungary) will continue to be the centre for Customer Support activities and will endeavour to expand upon its own future activities. Further information on Suzuki Motorsport can be seen on the official website http://www.suzuki-swt.com/e/index.html

Nobuhiro Tajima
President of Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd.
Team Principal of the Suzuki World Rally Team