The other big announcement came from
Subaru, the Banbury-based squad confirming that
Chris Atkinson will again drive their number 2 car next year alongside team leader,
Petter Solberg. In a change to the pattern in recent seasons though, Atkinson will be nominated to score manufacturers’ points on all the events, including those on tarmac and as such Stephane Sarrazin has been dropped.
"Next season we intend to concentrate our efforts on running a two car team on each round of the championship," explained SWRT managing director, Richard Taylor. "This means no third car and unfortunately no opportunity for Stephane Sarrazin to drive for us. We are sorry to lose Stephane and I am very grateful for the contribution he made, both on rallies, and as part of our test team during the past two seasons.”
"We're very pleased to have Chris with us again next year though,” he added. “Our team has a reputation for recognising potential and, as Chris's performances in Australia and the most recent events have shown, he has become an increasingly confident and able driver. With the benefit of more event experience and the full backing of our team I believe he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
News from the Manufacturers' teams:
Manufacturer 1.
Kronos Total Citroen:
[
Colin McRae, car #1 and
Daniel Sordo, car #2]
Kronos Citroen’s hopes will lie with Colin McRae and Daniel Sordo in Turkey, the former stepping in to sub for
Sebastien Loeb after his mountain bike accident. McRae had the chance to reacquaint himself with the
Citroen Xsara WRC car last week, during two test sessions in Scotland and was happy with the results.
