Subaru World Rally Team managing director, Richard Taylor has confirmed that the outfit will not run a third car next season and as such, Stephane Sarrazin has been dropped.
Sarrazin competed on the asphalt events this season and was nominated to score manufacturers' points in Monte Carlo, Spain, France and Germany in preference to regular number two driver,
Chris Atkinson, who has been resigned for 2007, to partner team leader,
Petter Solberg.
Despite the lack of competitiveness of the Impreza WRC, Sarrazin did well and scored points on three of his four outings, with the exception of Rallye Deutschland.
"Next season we intend to concentrate our efforts on running a two car team on each round of the championship," explained Taylor, when asked about the decision. "This means no third car and unfortunately no opportunity for Stephane Sarrazin to drive for us. We are sorry to lose Stephane and I am very grateful for the contribution he made, both on rallies, and as part of our test team during the past two seasons."
Sarrazin joined the SWRT at the same time as Atkinson and despite his efforts to try and get to grips with gravel he has been unable to shake off the tag of being an asphalt specialist.
Taylor meanwhile added that he is delighted to have re-signed Atkinson: "We're very pleased to have Chris with us again next year. Our team has a reputation for recognising potential and, as Chris's performances in Australia and the most recent events have shown, he has become an increasingly confident and able driver. With the benefit of more event experience and the full backing of our team I believe he has a very bright future ahead of him."
