Andreas Aigner has been left in limbo following news today [Friday] that the Red Bull Rallye Team has suspended its co-operation with him - at least for the 'time being'.

Aigner enjoyed a successful season in 2008 and clinched the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship title on the Wales Rally GB earlier this month, when he finished second overall in his Baumschlager Rally Racing-run Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.

However despite that success it appears the youngster is another victim of the economic downturn.

"The long-standing and successful co-operation between Andreas Aigner and the Red Bull Rallye Team has to be suspended for the time being - in spite of this year's outstanding achievements," read a statement from the squad.

"It was the declared aim to enter the 2009 World Rally Championship together with Andreas as part of a factory team.

"However, because of the current situation - i.e. the immediate withdrawal of Subaru and Suzuki from the WRC - no competitive prospects are in sight at the intended level.

"Another year in the PWRC would not be favourable for Andreas Aigner's career."

Aigner, who was recently named 'Driver of the Year' by the OSK, the governing body of motorsport in Austria, was philosophical about the situation.

"This is not the first time something like this has happened to a driver," he told rallye-magazin.de. "I have competed with Red Bull for four years and it was a mad time.

"I am not sure what happens now. Everything depends on the sponsor, because I cannot bring any money."