­ Suzuki is set to add another successful chapter to its stunning motorsport history with the imminent launch of the SX4 WRC team.

The aggressively styled SX4 WRC car is one of the stars at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show, and is the first reveal of the potent all-wheel drive race car outside its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.

The development of the SX4 WRC under the leadership of legendary Suzuki Sport chief Nobihuro ‘Monster’ Tajima has continued ahead of schedule all year.

After recent extensive tests on both tarmac and gravel, the SX4 WRC car is primed for its official debut at Rallye de France in Corsica on October 12, where it will complete its first run under real contest conditions.

The very last test will follow at Wales Rally GB (starting November 30), before Suzuki enters its first full WRC season in January 2008.

At the same time, Suzuki is gearing up for the new FIA regulation effective as of 2012. In 2008, Suzuki will exploit its efforts that were achieved by now and will prepare for the next WRC era.

The recent testing regime left Tajima with high hopes for the car in its premiere event.

“Our tests in Europe went better than expected. The machine, which has been continuously improved, has shown good performance so far.

“As we carried out our tests in France with a good outcome, fairly good results can be expected for Rallye de France, too.”

Tajima has high expectations for the 2008 season, aiming at nothing less than a podium position.

“I believe that victory is very important in the world of sports. So our aim is not only to finish each rally, but also at claiming one of the top three positions.”

Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said Suzuki's participation in the WRC was one of the most important marketing and sales initiatives for the corporation's automobile division in recent years.

“It will boost the image and brand identity of Suzuki as a major manufacturer of cars displaying engineering excellence.

“Competing in the WRC will also provide invaluable feedback which will assist in the development of new models in the future as a part of Suzuki's global new product development programme.”

Suzuki's decision to participate in the WRC — the world's most demanding motor sport competition and one of the top two motor sport championships alongside Formula 1 — follows its very successful involvement in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) since 2002.

The Suzuki Ignis Super 1600 placed first in 2004, in just the third year of participation in the championship.

In 2006, the two works teams started in the acclaimed Suzuki Swift Super 1600, winning Rally Norway in February and finishing the year ranked two and three.

Results so far this year have seen even more improvement, winning four of the first five rounds to all but secure both the coveted driver’s and manufacturer’s titles.

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