Atkinson: I’m monster stoked with seat next to Ken

Chris Atkinson says he is more excited about his return to the World Rally Championship on next month’s Rally Mexico than he was about making his factory team debut in the sport seven years ago.

Atkinson hasn’t competed in the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia since he drove a Citroen C4 WRC on Rally Ireland in 2009, but he says a test in the Fiesta RS WRC in Cumbria last week was just the confidence boost he needed.

“The car was awesome,” said Atkinson. “It’s the first time I’ve ever driven a Ford rally car and it’s not hard to see how the car won in Sweden. It was unreal to rack up some miles in the car and we were really starting to get the hang of it. And I’m stoked to be in the Monster World Rally Team and to be kickin’ it with Ken and his crew. I remember when I first drove for Subaru, but I’m more excited about this now - this is a huge opportunity for me to get back in the main game at the peak of my career.”

“I drove the car for a day and a half in Cumbria and didn’t really change much. The test was fantastic; it’s mad being back in a World Rally Car! And especially on Rally Mexico, an event which I like and have a pretty solid record. I was second to [Sebastien] Loeb last time out, I wouldn’t mind that result next month!”