Subaru is a company that has been involved in the world of motorsports since its inception in 1953. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that Subaru established itself as a strong and reliable presence in the rally motorsport discipline. Rally motorsports, a form of racing that takes place on closed public roads or off-road terrains, has long been regarded as one of the most grueling and challenging motorsports disciplines, where speed, precision, and endurance are essential elements for success.
During the 1980s, Subaru made its debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with the Subaru Leone model. The car, driven by Ari Vatanen, finished in the top four in the 1984 WRC driver's championship, securing Subaru's place as a team to be reckoned with.
However, it wasn't until the 1990s that Subaru's fortunes in rally racing would change for the better. In 1990, the company developed the Subaru Legacy RS, which was fitted with the iconic EJ20 engine. The car, driven by Scottish driver Colin McRae, won the British Rally Championship in 1991 and 1992. It was this car that proved to be the tipping point for Subaru in the world of rally racing.
McRae's success with the Legacy RS prompted Subaru to focus on rally racing as a core element of their brand. In 1993, the company introduced the Subaru Impreza WRX - a car that would become the cornerstone of Subaru's success in the rally world. The Impreza WRX, fitted with the turbocharged EJ20 engine, was an instant success, winning its first race in its debut season at the Rally of New Zealand.
Over the next decade, Subaru would go on to win three WRC driver's championships (in 1995, 2001, and 2003) and three consecutive WRC manufacturer championships (from 1995 to 1997). The drivers who contributed to Subaru's success included Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg.
In addition to its success in the WRC, Subaru also established itself as a dominant force in the US-based rally racing series. In 2001, the company established Subaru Rally Team USA, which went on to win the US national rally championship 15 times in the next 17 years. The team also won the rallycross championship in 2019 and 2021.
Today, Subaru continues to be a strong presence in the rally world, with its latest model - the Subaru WRX STI - gaining wide acclaim for its speed, handling, and reliability. The company's commitment to rally racing has helped it to establish a loyal fanbase and has contributed to its reputation for building reliable, high-performance cars.
In conclusion, Subaru's history in rally racing has been long and storied. The company's success in the discipline is a testament to its commitment to precision, endurance, and innovation. With its continued focus on rally racing, there is no doubt that Subaru's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the motorsport world will continue to grow.
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