Subaru confirm Australian Atkinson for 2007
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-03 21:58
LONDON, Oct 3 - Former champions Subaru have confirmed Australian Chris
Atkinson as their second driver for the 2007 world rally season.
The team said in a statement on Tuesday that the 26-year-old, who last year
became Australia's first full-time driver in the championship, and co-driver
Glenn Macneall would take part in all the events next year.
Team managing director Richard Taylor added that Subaru would concentrate on
a two-car entry in every rally, leaving no opportunity for French driver
Stephane Sarrazin who has driven a third car this year.
Subaru's main driver is 2003 world champion Petter Solberg of Norway.
"It's great news," said Atkinson. "I'm happy to continue the relationship. I
feel like I've really started to fit in and make a difference.
"The team is heading in a good direction now and I feel I can help them
progress. I'm looking forward to next season, the strategies are in place to
improve the overall package and I hope we can look forward to getting some
better results."
Subaru have had a disappointing season, with Solberg scoring 23 points to
world champion Sebastien Loeb's 112. The team are third in the manufacturers'
standings, 63 points behind Loeb's Kronos Citroen.
Atkinson has scored 14 points.
|
