WRC: Subaru confirms half of '08 line-up.

[Rory Phoulorie]

Friday, 7th September 2007

Chris Atkinson retained for two more years.


Subaru's World Rally Championship team has confirmed that Chris Atkinson will remain part of its line-up for the next two seasons, having extended its contract with the 27-year old Australian until the end of the 2009 campaign.

Acknowledged as one of the most exciting young drivers in the WRC, Atkinson has been linked to a number of other teams in recent weeks, but has decided to remain loyal to the team that gave him his break in the top flight, having first signed with Subaruin 2005. Having debuted in Sweden that year, he has since started 42 rallies for the Japanese manufacturer, with a best result of third overall coming in the same season, on Rally Japan. So far this year, Atkinson has finished fourth on three occasions, and set twelve fastest stage times, despite wrestling with an Impreza that esteemed team-mate Petter Solberg has struggled to get on the pace.

�I'm delighted to announce that we have secured Chris' services for a further two seasons," said managing director Richard Taylor, "Over the last twelve months, he has shown excellent pace on many occasions and is now backing this up by producing strong results. His driving has clearly moved up a level in recent events, and we expect to see him on the podium before the end of this season. I also look forward to Subaru giving him his first WRCvictory in the not too distant future.�

Atkinson has seen both the highs and lows of life in the WRC, with a string of disappointing results also having appeared to threaten his time in the top flight. With uncertainty surrounding Solberg's position with the Subaru team for next season, the Australian could yet go into 2008 as its lead driver.

�It's great news, and I'm very much looking forward to continuing my relationship with Subaru,� he said, �Even though the last couple of seasons haven't always been easy, I think our recent results show we've turned a corner with the performance of the car, and I'm confident we'll see improved form as we go forward.

"It's an exciting time to be part of Subaru's WRCprogramme and a terrific opportunity for me personally. There is an excellent team of people in the UK and Japan who all want to see a Subaruon the top step of the podium, and you can be sure I'll be doing everything I can to make that happen.�

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