RallySport Magazine - Subaru to switch to Ohlins for 2009 WRC

Subaru to switch to Ohlins for 2009 WRC

Written by Peter Whitten
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Subaru will replace BOS with Ohlins in 2009. RallySport Magazine sources in the UK have revealed that the Subaru World Rally Team will make a surprise switch from BOS shock absorbers next year, and will instead use shocks from Ohlins. The switch, while not totally unexpected, came as a surprise to many within Prodrive. While the new Impreza WRC2008 has been heralded as an improvement over last year’s car, it has still not managed to challenge Citroen or Ford, either on gravel or tarmac. The Impreza’s handling has long been thought to be the reason why the car has been uncompetitive, and the change to Ohlins may almost be seen as a last roll of the dice for Subaru in their efforts to get back to the top of the WRC. The team have already started development of the new shock absorbers, however they won’t be seen in competition until next year’s WRC. After Rally New Zealand, it is believed that Subaru sent some of their current BOS units to Ohlins to see if the Swedish company can make any recommendations for the remainder of the 2008 season.