Atkinson targets summer WRC runs

Australian star Chris Atkinson is targeting a return to the FIA World Rally Championship in the summer.

The former factory Subaru driver had been linked to an entry on next week’s Brother Rally New Zealand following his comeback to the WRC after more than three years away on Rally Guanajuato Mexico with the Monster World Rally Team.

He hopes to take part on the world championship rallies in Finland and Germany in August and will head to New Zealand next week, albeit only as a spectator.

“It’s good to go and catch up with everyone and show your face around the service park, reminding people that I still exist and want to get back to the top of the sport,” he said. “Obviously I am really disappointed not to be competing in New Zealand though. These are the most awesome roads in the world for a driver to race on.”

Nonetheless, Atkinson - a podium finisher in the WRC on six occasions - has a firm objective.

“Looking towards a goal of being in a top seat next season, I really need to be out for a couple more rounds this year and show that I still have the speed to compete at the front,” he added. “Finland and Germany are at the top of my list and it would be great to be back as part of the Monster World Rally Team: I had an awesome time working with those guys and they have really taken PR to the next level. Hopefully I will have a better idea in the next few weeks.”

Atkinson is currently leading the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, driving a Skoda Fabia S2000 for the MRF team.