by Rob Wilkins
The
Subaru World Rally Team confirmed on Tuesday that
Chris Atkinson will again drive their number two car in 2007, alongside team leader,
Petter Solberg.
Crash.net Radio caught up with the Aussie to discuss his new deal and the remainder of the season and while he wasn't especially chatty, one thing is certain: he is hoping the Impreza will be a lot more competitive next year...
Q:
Chris, first up congratulations, you must be delighted to have renewed your deal with the Subaru WRT for 2007?
Chris Atkinson:
It is good to maintain the continuity there and keep working with Subaru - we have put a lot of effort in and so has the team. It is great we will be able to continue that work next year.
Q:
Did you have any talks with any other teams or was your primary focus on staying with Subaru?
CA:
The focus was to stay with them and I think they were keen to do the same - so, fairly mutual.
Q:
Obviously one of the big changes for next season is that you will do all the events in the #2 car and as such you will be nominated to score manufacturers' points on the asphalt events too. How big a pressure is that? Is that a bonus?
CA:
To me it is much the same. I still tried to do my best with my limited experience on tarmac this year and we will try and do the same next year as well. I think if we improve the car a bit more on tarmac then we can definitely be in contention for good points.
Q:
Looking at this year, it’s only been your second season in the WRC. Subaru have struggled a bit, but have you been happy with the progress you have made?
CA:
It is hard to say where we are and all we can do is compare ourselves with our [main] team-mate [Petter Solberg] and we are reasonably close to him in terms of stages times. We still have a bit to go, but we are still learning and progressing. That's all I can do. It seems to be going OK - and if we can keep making progress there and keep working together as a team, that is the main thing.
Q:
Do you think the lack of performance with the Impreza, has concealed some of the steps forward you have made?
