Subaru has a rich history in the World Rally Championship (WRC), thanks to a lineup of legendary drivers who pushed the limits and brought home unforgettable victories. These 8 rally legends not only helped define Subaru’s rallying legacy but also cemented their own status in the sport’s history. Their WRC triumphs showcase the perfect blend of skill, determination, and the power of Subaru engineering.
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Colin McRae
Colin McRae is synonymous with Subaru’s rally success, having secured the World Rally Championship (WRC) title in 1995. His aggressive driving style, combined with his fearless approach, quickly made him a fan favorite. McRae’s legendary partnership with the Subaru Impreza 555 highlighted the car’s capabilities across various terrains. This victory not only established McRae as a rally icon but also elevated Subaru’s status in the world of motorsport.
Petter Solberg
Petter Solberg, the charismatic Norwegian, brought home the WRC title for Subaru in 2003, marking the team’s last championship win. Solberg’s relentless determination and technical skill made him a formidable competitor on the rally stage. Driving the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, he pushed the car to its limits, showcasing its potential. Solberg’s vibrant personality and racing success ensured his lasting legacy with Subaru.
Ari Vatanen
Ari Vatanen, with a wealth of experience under his belt, joined Subaru later in his career, bringing invaluable knowledge to the team. Though he didn’t claim a WRC title with Subaru, his influence was undeniable, helping the team refine their strategies and vehicle performance. Vatanen’s contributions were crucial in developing the competitive edge that would benefit Subaru in future rallies.
Toshihiro Arai
Toshihiro Arai made a significant mark in the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) by winning the title twice for Subaru, in 2005 and 2007. As a celebrated Japanese rally driver, Arai’s success highlighted the reliability and competitiveness of Subaru’s vehicles in various rally formats. His achievements in the PWRC brought additional attention to Subaru’s engineering excellence.
Markku Alén
Markku Alén, a Finnish rally legend, joined Subaru towards the end of his illustrious career. Although he didn’t secure a WRC championship with Subaru, his presence added a wealth of experience to the team. Alén’s input was vital in refining Subaru’s cars and strategies, making the team more competitive in the WRC.
Possum Bourne
Possum Bourne dominated the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) while driving for Subaru, securing seven consecutive titles from 1996 to 2002. Although he never clinched a WRC title, Bourne’s success in the APRC greatly boosted Subaru’s brand recognition in key markets. His achievements underscored the versatility of Subaru vehicles across different rally formats.
Bruno Thiry
Bruno Thiry, a skilled Belgian rally driver, made significant contributions to Subaru’s rallying success during the mid-1990s. While he didn’t win a WRC title, Thiry’s consistent performances and several podium finishes were crucial for the team. His expertise helped Subaru maintain its competitive edge in a highly challenging era. Thiry’s role as a reliable and skilled driver ensured that Subaru remained a top contender during his tenure.
Alister McRae
Alister McRae, following in the footsteps of his legendary brother Colin, carved out his own successful rally career with Subaru. While he didn’t reach the same heights as his brother, Alister was an essential figure for Subaru in various rally championships. His skill and dedication contributed significantly to the development of Subaru’s rally cars, especially in the British Rally Championship (BRC).
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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