Queenslander Chris Atkinson has pulled the pin on plans to re-ignite his World Rally Championship career with a one-off outing at next month’s Rally Australia.
Atkinson, who drove with the Subaru World Rally Team alongside former Champion Petter Solberg from 2005 through to the end of 2008, has seen his aspirations at the sports top level on a decline in recent years.
Following Subaru’s withdrawal from the WRC Atkinson completed a one-off drive with the Citroen Junior team at the 2009 season opening Rally Ireland, but has been unable to make his way back in despite numerous rumors linking him with Ken Block’s Monster Energy team.
Last year Atkinson joined Proton for an assault on the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, as series the Queenslander has fond memories of after collecting the APRC F2 title in 2003. His efforts though were blighted more often than not by mechanical problems as the Proton team struggled to match their proven pace with reliability.
With Rally Australia and Rally New Zealand currently rotating Rounds every two years, Atkinson was reportedly keen to tackle the 2011 staging of his home Round of the WRC, and suggestions had linked him with a Super 2000 drive, possibly in a Skoda Fabia as drivers attempt to impress incoming manufacturer Volkswagen, Skoda’s parent company.
But with a reported bill of $150,000 or more to secure a Fabia for the event and with precious little time before entries closed Atkinson made the difficult announcement to his supporters on his Twitter account.
"Thanks for all the support and help from everyone to try and make Rally Australia happen for me!” he said. “But unfortunately we have run out of time.”
“This doesn't mean we have given up on our WRC dream,” stated Atkinson, with the Queenslander conducting recce at the recent Rally Finland as he attempts to keep his foot in the door with the leading teams and manufacturers.
“And let's get Rally Australia the permanent place on the calendar that it deserves!” Atkinson added.-ozracingwrap.com
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