He's certainly a star in the making ...
http://www.rally.com.au/home/latestnews/articleid=1770
Australian Chris Atkinson has traded stage times with World Champions Petter Solberg, Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm to be in fourth position at the end of the opening day in Rally Japan near Obihiro today. Atkinson and his co-driver Glenn Macneall began the day in sensational fashion to set the fastest time across the opening stage, the 9.05km Pawse Kamuy test, by 1.3 seconds ahead of Solberg.
When claiming the honours in the opening stage Atkinson became the first Australian driver in recent history to lead a round of the World Rally Championship but as with many of his achievements the Queenslander took this achievement in his stride and is maintaining his focus on achieving a good overall result.
“It’s pretty cool, but we’re not here to fight with these guys for the lead, we are here to get as much experience as possible and get to the finish in the best position possible,” said Atkinson.
Showing true natural talent Atkinson continued his blistering pace throughout the ensuing stages and exchanged the rally lead with Solberg on three occasions during the opening four tests.
On the longest stage in the World Rally Championship, the mammoth 50.06km Kunneywa-Niueo test, it was Atkinson who shined brightest to claim the stage win by four seconds over Solberg, the fifth stage victory in his WRC career.
Throughout this afternoon’s five stages Atkinson maintained his composure to put in some very respectable times amongst the world’s best to remain inside the top five.
“On the longest stage this afternoon we got caught up behind and in the dust of Anthony Warmbold who has some problems which made it difficult to see for about 10 kilometres and cost us some time but overall we are very happy with the day,” said Atkinson.
“To run amongst the caliber of drivers that we have today has been a little suprising but gives me confidence but we won’t be taking any risks over the next two days and aim for a solid result.”
Atkinson has previously contested this event on two occasions previously aboard a Super 1600 spec Suzuki. In 2004 he won the Super 1600 class and finished 12th outright.
“Being here before definitely helps with your confidence as no I am the same as the other guys who have were here last year,” said Atkinson.
“One of the most pleasing facts is that we aren’t pushing any harder than we have in the last few events but our speed has come more from the knowledge of the local conditions because we have competed on these roads before.”
Solberg, the 2003 World Champion, leads the way ahead of Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm.
Australian Champion Cody Crocker is also competing in Rally Japan aboard a Group N (Production) spec Subaru Impreza. Crocker is currently third in his class and 16th outright.
The rally continues tomorrow with the second of three legs consisting of 12 stages across 100.98 competitive kilometres. Today’s opening leg was the longest in the event, and also one of the longest in the World Rally Championship with crews contesting a total of 163.36 competitive kilometres.
Top Ten After Leg One
1. Solberg 1:31:20.2
2. Loeb+22.9
3. Gronholm +34.5
4. Atkinson +1:36.6
5. Rovenpera +1:54.2
6. Galli +2:10.7
7. Duval +2:11.9
8. Kresta +2:50.6
9. Gardemeister +2:53.4
10. Carlsson +3:14.4
13. Crocker +10:54.4
http://www.rally.com.au/home/latestnews/articleid=1770
Australian Chris Atkinson has traded stage times with World Champions Petter Solberg, Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm to be in fourth position at the end of the opening day in Rally Japan near Obihiro today. Atkinson and his co-driver Glenn Macneall began the day in sensational fashion to set the fastest time across the opening stage, the 9.05km Pawse Kamuy test, by 1.3 seconds ahead of Solberg.
When claiming the honours in the opening stage Atkinson became the first Australian driver in recent history to lead a round of the World Rally Championship but as with many of his achievements the Queenslander took this achievement in his stride and is maintaining his focus on achieving a good overall result.
“It’s pretty cool, but we’re not here to fight with these guys for the lead, we are here to get as much experience as possible and get to the finish in the best position possible,” said Atkinson.
Showing true natural talent Atkinson continued his blistering pace throughout the ensuing stages and exchanged the rally lead with Solberg on three occasions during the opening four tests.
On the longest stage in the World Rally Championship, the mammoth 50.06km Kunneywa-Niueo test, it was Atkinson who shined brightest to claim the stage win by four seconds over Solberg, the fifth stage victory in his WRC career.
Throughout this afternoon’s five stages Atkinson maintained his composure to put in some very respectable times amongst the world’s best to remain inside the top five.
“On the longest stage this afternoon we got caught up behind and in the dust of Anthony Warmbold who has some problems which made it difficult to see for about 10 kilometres and cost us some time but overall we are very happy with the day,” said Atkinson.
“To run amongst the caliber of drivers that we have today has been a little suprising but gives me confidence but we won’t be taking any risks over the next two days and aim for a solid result.”
Atkinson has previously contested this event on two occasions previously aboard a Super 1600 spec Suzuki. In 2004 he won the Super 1600 class and finished 12th outright.
“Being here before definitely helps with your confidence as no I am the same as the other guys who have were here last year,” said Atkinson.
“One of the most pleasing facts is that we aren’t pushing any harder than we have in the last few events but our speed has come more from the knowledge of the local conditions because we have competed on these roads before.”
Solberg, the 2003 World Champion, leads the way ahead of Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm.
Australian Champion Cody Crocker is also competing in Rally Japan aboard a Group N (Production) spec Subaru Impreza. Crocker is currently third in his class and 16th outright.
The rally continues tomorrow with the second of three legs consisting of 12 stages across 100.98 competitive kilometres. Today’s opening leg was the longest in the event, and also one of the longest in the World Rally Championship with crews contesting a total of 163.36 competitive kilometres.
Top Ten After Leg One
1. Solberg 1:31:20.2
2. Loeb+22.9
3. Gronholm +34.5
4. Atkinson +1:36.6
5. Rovenpera +1:54.2
6. Galli +2:10.7
7. Duval +2:11.9
8. Kresta +2:50.6
9. Gardemeister +2:53.4
10. Carlsson +3:14.4
13. Crocker +10:54.4
