Japanese carmakers say 'sayonara' to world of Formula One

LONDON: Subaru's abrupt exit from the world rally championship completes a trio of Japanese carmakers stepping off the world motorsport stage in the space of two weeks.

The former champions, whose departure was announced on Tuesday, joined Formula One constructors Honda and rally newcomers Suzuki in blaming the global financial crisis for their undeniably painful decisions.

The credit crunch, with major manufacturers shedding jobs and halting production lines amid plunging sales and revenues, forced their hands.