The Subaru World Rally team has confirmed that Stephane Prevot will become Chris Atkinson's new co-driver, following Glenn Macneall's decision to step down.

Prevot, who has close links with the Banbury-based outfit, having sat in Impreza WRC cars alongside Bruno Thiry in 1999 and more recently with asphalt ace, Stephane Sarrazin in 2006, will make his debut with the Aussie next month in Argentina.

Atkinson and Prevot have already begun working together and spent three days in the Impreza WRC 2007 during the team's recent test in Sardinia. Thus far Chris has been pleased with how they have gelled: "Right from the start of the test we seemed to work well together and we improved with every day,” said Atkinson. “Stephane's an experienced and professional co-driver and he adapted to my driving very quickly.

“Of course there's still work to do, as Stephane gets used to my notes system, and my words and phrases, but it's good so far. We already have a good understanding in the car and I'm feeling positive about our rally debut in Argentina.”

Subaru World Rally Team managing director Richard Taylor meanwhile conceded that while it was not easy to replace Macneall, Prevot was the 'logical choice'.

Indeed given that the 38-year-old has competed in more than 100 World and European events in a career stretching back to the late 1980s, he certainly has plenty of experience.

“Finding a suitable world-class co-driver partway through a season is never an easy task, but Stephane was a logical choice. His vast experience, allied to his knowledge of the way our team works, means he will be able to fit seamlessly into our driver line-up," explained Taylor.

"We're confident he and Chris will work well together and expect them to be in contention for a strong points finish in Argentina next month.”