LUD02C
09-03-2005, 08:49 AM
Apprenticeship over for Atkinson
By Chris Lines
March 7, 2005
CHRIS Atkinson's one-race apprenticeship in the World Rally Championship is over, but he is not feeling pressure ahead of the biggest race of his career in this weekend's third round.
Atkinson debuted at the Rally of Sweden last month, impressing observers with his speed in the unfamiliar ice and snow.
But this weekend's Rally of Mexico raises the expectation level several notches, with Subaru expecting Atkinson to be more at home on gravel and the Queenslander carrying the responsibility of his performance counting towards the team's championship points for the first time.
Atkinson and young French team-mate Stephane Sarrazin were hired as `project' drivers this season, with Subaru's focus on getting Petter Solberg to win the drivers' title.
"Sweden was totally treated as a learning experience by the team, where this is a little different," Atkinson said from Mexico.
"But if you start worrying about points scoring, then you might lose focus."
"Obviously the team would like a points finish, but that really isn't a pressure situation for me and I'll approach it the same way I approached Sweden.
"It won't be easy – your top guys are here and they have all been here before.
"It's a big challenge now – we have a lot more experience than we had before Sweden and a gravel event will help us.
"If we keep our nose clean we can come through with a decent points finish."
The Mexican rally, first held last year, is staged in the mountains surrounding the city of Leon, with the surface typically light gravel and stones on a firm sand base.
Atkinson believes the surface will suit his driving style, able to call upon his Australian experience.
"Australia has a huge variety of surfaces – I definitely think there will be somewhere in Australia similar to here," Atkinson said.
"Although it can help a bit, everyone has a huge amount of experience – more experience than me – so we are still coming from behind."
As the new boy in Sweden and the first Australian to get a permanent drive in WRC, Atkinson was a specimen of curiosity.
After just one event, however, he already feels more at ease.
He spoke to the media today from a bowling alley, where he had just enjoyed knocking off Solberg.
"We know where we sit a little bit better than we did before Sweden, bowling with Stephane and Petter and having a good time," Atkinson said. "I feel comfortable before this event, I definitely fell a lot more relaxed but still focused on what I have to do."
AAP
New Skoda and Subaru at rally Mexico!
Atkinson should finish in top 8
By Chris Lines
March 7, 2005
CHRIS Atkinson's one-race apprenticeship in the World Rally Championship is over, but he is not feeling pressure ahead of the biggest race of his career in this weekend's third round.
Atkinson debuted at the Rally of Sweden last month, impressing observers with his speed in the unfamiliar ice and snow.
But this weekend's Rally of Mexico raises the expectation level several notches, with Subaru expecting Atkinson to be more at home on gravel and the Queenslander carrying the responsibility of his performance counting towards the team's championship points for the first time.
Atkinson and young French team-mate Stephane Sarrazin were hired as `project' drivers this season, with Subaru's focus on getting Petter Solberg to win the drivers' title.
"Sweden was totally treated as a learning experience by the team, where this is a little different," Atkinson said from Mexico.
"But if you start worrying about points scoring, then you might lose focus."
"Obviously the team would like a points finish, but that really isn't a pressure situation for me and I'll approach it the same way I approached Sweden.
"It won't be easy – your top guys are here and they have all been here before.
"It's a big challenge now – we have a lot more experience than we had before Sweden and a gravel event will help us.
"If we keep our nose clean we can come through with a decent points finish."
The Mexican rally, first held last year, is staged in the mountains surrounding the city of Leon, with the surface typically light gravel and stones on a firm sand base.
Atkinson believes the surface will suit his driving style, able to call upon his Australian experience.
"Australia has a huge variety of surfaces – I definitely think there will be somewhere in Australia similar to here," Atkinson said.
"Although it can help a bit, everyone has a huge amount of experience – more experience than me – so we are still coming from behind."
As the new boy in Sweden and the first Australian to get a permanent drive in WRC, Atkinson was a specimen of curiosity.
After just one event, however, he already feels more at ease.
He spoke to the media today from a bowling alley, where he had just enjoyed knocking off Solberg.
"We know where we sit a little bit better than we did before Sweden, bowling with Stephane and Petter and having a good time," Atkinson said. "I feel comfortable before this event, I definitely fell a lot more relaxed but still focused on what I have to do."
AAP
New Skoda and Subaru at rally Mexico!
Atkinson should finish in top 8