Today was big news day for the Subaru Rally team. First, Tommi Makinen announced his retirement at the end of the season. This was to be expected, after two frustrating years with Subaru. But even despite the lack of results, both parties had nothing but good things to say about one another.

And, mirroring what happened two years ago when Richard Burns left Subaru and Makinen joined the team, Burns has signed a two year deal with Subaru, rejoining the team with whom he won the 2001 driver’s championship. It will be interesting to see what happens next season, as both Burns and Solberg are serious threats to win the driver’s championship. Of course, Burns has been quite amicable with teammate Marcus Gronholm for the past two years, and given that Solberg is a bit more easygoing than the Finn, the two should get on well.

More Thoughts….

Subaru is in great shape right now, as the only manufacturer to have their top drivers set and signed for next season. Peugeot still has a tough decision to make, with all news pointing to Gilles Panizzi going to Mitsubishi next season. Do they keep Harri Rovanpera? I would think not, especially if Carlos Sainz and/or Colin McRae are available (and one of them will be). While Rovanpera can be quick he’s never proved himself to be a consistenly strong driver, and that’s what Peugeot needs at this point. Ford could also be in the hunt for McRae or Sainz, as Francois Duval would still qualify as a third driver, unless he manages to win a rally this year (unlikely, in my opinion).

I also expect Burns to do quite well next year. While the 2003 spec Impreza is certainly faster than the 2001 model he won the driver’s championship with, it’s very similiar. Burns has said he’s never felt comfortable in the Peugeot 206, but he never had anything but positive words for the Impreza when he was with Subaru. The Impreza does have to be quicker to really compete with the Ford Focus (which is the fastest car at this point), but strides have certainly been taken, seeing as Solberg could beat Burns (driving the Peugeot 206) in Finland.

Posted on 18 August 2003