Suzuki have released the first picture of their SX4 WRC 'concept' car, which will go on display at the Geneva Motorsport Show later this month.
Although it is definitely only a 'concept' at this time, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed only last week that they will make an announcement with regard to their WRC plans at the show. Although Suzuki's head of press and public relations, David Farquhar refused to revealed any specific details when contacted by Crash.net on January 6, this image will no doubt increase speculation as to what Suzuki will do in 2007.
Suzuki have competed in the Junior WRC for a number of seasons now, introducing the new Swift S1600 car last year, which won in Sweden two weeks ago, when Per-Gunnar Andersson took the JWRC victory. They also took part in various non-Junior WRC events last season, as part of a plan to gain, what the team said at the time, was 'more experience of the events' and to 'evaluate the possibility of participation at the highest level.'
If Suzuki do confirm a manufacturer backed assault it would be well timed, following the exit of Peugeot, Mitsubishi and Skoda at the end of last season, although admittedly the new Manufacturer 2 category has helped to plug the gap.
More will be known with the announcement at 2pm on February 28...