Wilks to re-evaluate after Subaru withdrawal

Guy Wilks is working flat out on other options after Subaru's shock withdrawal from the FIA World Rally Championship.

The double British rally champion was just hours from signing a contract with Prodrive for 2009 when the pullout was announced on Tuesday morning, according to his website.

Wilks said: "I'm absolutely stunned. We have been working so hard to earn this opportunity, and thanks to the generosity of rally fans who backed the Wilks 500 Club and a major private investor, we were so close to making it happen.

"The money was in place. The final amendments to the contract had been agreed and we were due to sign this week and hold a media lunch on Friday."

The deal would have seen Wilks and co-driver, Phil Pugh, contest a minimum of eight rounds of the 2009 WRC as the third official factory car, starting on Rally Ireland next month.

Wilks added: "It's so sad to see Subaru quit the WRC. They were the iconic team with millions of fans around the world. The WRC is part of Subaru's DNA.

"It would have been a privilege to be the first Brit since Colin McRae and Richard Burns to drive for Subaru, and I was really look forward to working with David Richards.

"But this is now yesterday's news. We can't change it. We have to move on and work hard for tomorrow."

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