In response to the many enquiries we have had over the past two weeks and the growing speculation throughout the media with regard to Suzuki's future WRC plans, Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd. President and Suzuki World Rally Team Principal, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima would like to make an announcement with regard to the timing of when Suzuki proposes to enter the WRC with the Suzuki SX4 World Rally Car and other Suzuki, World Rally related matters.

On February 28th 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show, the President of Suzuki Motor Corporation;Mr. Hiroshi Tsuda officially introduced the SX4 Concept WRC car and informed the 'World' of Suzuki's intention to enter the WRC from the 2008 season. At this time the heavily supported - proposed 'new' format 2008 season was envisaged to begin in August 2007.

On July 4th 2006 in Tokyo, Japan, in conjunction with the official release and introduction of the SX4 model to the Japan domestic market, Mr. Hiroshi Tsuda once again confirmed Suzuki's intentions to enter the 2008 World Rally Championship with the SX4 World Rally Car on the proposed start date of August 2007.

The following day, July 5th 2006 in Paris, the FIA World Motorsport Council decided upon many issues with regard to the future of the World Rally Championship. One of the decisions that was made was to reject the previously supported 'new' - 'Winter season' concept that would have created a short calendar for the initial part of 2007, followed by the first 'new' - 'long winter season' that was proposed to commence in August 2007, and instead reverted back to the original (current) format of a January - December season.

In consideration of this decision by the World Motorsport Council,Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd. President and Suzuki World Rally Team Principal, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima would now like to announce that Suzuki's aim will be to commence its first "full" WRC season in January 2008.

In addition to this, it is Suzuki's intention to enter several WRC events with the SX4 World Rally Car during the 2007 season for the purpose of testing and development, however whether this can take place will be subject to successful future negotiations with the World Motorsport governing body; The FIA.

The ongoing development and testing of the SX4 World Rally Car will be managed and coordinated at the Headquarters of Suzuki Sport Co.Ltd. in Japan in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Suzuki Sport Europe (UK) will continue to function as the Junior World Rally Team base and is fully focussed upon winning the 2006 JWRC Championship title. Suzuki Sport Europe (Hungary) will continue to be the centre for Customer Support activities and will endeavour to further expand upon its own future activities.

We sincerely value your interest in Suzuki's future World Rally Championship plans and appreciate your patience and understanding.

As soon as we are in a position to confirm these plans in more detail, we will make further announcements.

Thank you.

Nobuhiro Tajima
President of Suzuki Sport Co., Ltd.
Team Principal of the Suzuki World Rally Team