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The Fast Lane

Subaru Extends Atkinson Contract Until End Of 2009

thefastlane | 10 September, 2007 08:03

Australia has its first-ever paid driver in a World Rally Championship after Chris Atkinson was signed with Subaru WRT for a 2-year-contract to end in 2009. The Japanese automaker has announced the good news last Friday.

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

The 27-year-old Aussie has been with the British-based team since 2005 and started 42 rallies with them. Seventh in the current standings with 25 points, his best result was third in Japan in 2005, reported Reuters. This year, he has finished fourth on 3 WRC rallies and has set 12 fastest stage times.

"Over the last 12 months he has shown excellent pace on many occasions and is now backing this up by producing strong results," said team managing director Richard Taylor in a statement. "Chris's 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 look forward to Subaru giving him his first WRC victory in the not-too-distant future."

The announcement that Chris will be contracted to SWRT for a rumored $1.5 million per year, says a lot about the Queenslander and his backers who have had so much faith in him over the previous two seasons, wrote Rally Sport Magazine. It recognizes that Subaru have sufficient faith in him and his abilities as well to again find a spot for him in the team beside the team’s lead driver, Petter Solberg.

Atkinson, whose current teammate is Norway's former World Champion, said that he was delighted to be staying. "Even though the last couple of seasons haven't always been easy, I think our recent results show we've turned a corner now with the performance of the car, and I'm confident we'll see improved form as we go forward," he said.

Atkinson’s experience with rallying wasn’t that easy. In fact, it was pretty tough. In the past couple of years, his struggle has become more and more difficult especially when driving a difficult to maneuver car. Eventually, he has proven that an Aussie can drive as quickly as anybody else.

With a remarkable car equipped with state-of-the-art auto parts such as the Subaru ignition coil, engines, brakes, radiator, and the like plus the exceptional prowess of the one driving it, make the combination truly rewarding.

For a young Aussie who is into rallying for just a short period of time to see himself now racing alongside the best rally drivers around the globe is nothing less than an answered prayer. It’s good news for Atkinson and his followers. It is also a victory that is well deserved. Cheers!

 

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