Subaru to benefit from Pirelli's change of Focus.

In the wake of contract negotiations elsewhere in the rally world, the 555 Subaru World Rally Team has confirmed that it will continue its long-standing relationship with Pirelli and, for the 2003 season, will benefit from an exclusive tyre supply deal with the Italian tyre manufacturer.

While Pirelli and Subaru have already enjoyed 34 WRC wins together since the relationship was established in 1994, this latest development - which arises from Ford's decision to revert to Michelin rubber in 2003 - places both parties in what Subaru claims is 'a unique and advantageous position' going into next year's world championship. Now in a position to focus solely on the needs of the Banbury-based, Prodrive-run team, Pirelli has committed itself to an exclusive development programme, which will concentrate on creating the best possible tyre solutions for next year's Impreza.

"We have full confidence in Pirelli and our partnership demonstrates our on-going commitment to them," commented 555 Subaru team principal David Lapworth, "We're very pleased with this new situation and feel that it gives us a unique advantage over our competitors.

"As Pirelli's exclusive WRC partner, we will now benefit from 100 per cent of its WRC research and development resources, rather then sharing them with any other manufacturers. Unlike other teams in the championship, we won't have to compromise any of our specific requirements - and that's a great position to be in."

Five-time world champion Tommi Makinen and Rally GB winner Petter Solberg will continue with the team for a second year in 2003.