Atkinson turns footballer in Germany

Chris Atkinson has revealed how he turned footballer during the opening stage of ADAC Rallye Deutschland this morning.

A bottle containing brake fluid broke free from its retaining straps and ended up in the foot well of the Australian’s MINI John Cooper Works WRC.

“I ended up playing football with the brake fluid bottle,” said Atkinson. “I was worried it would get jammed under the brake pedal but finally it got jammed behind the roll cage and stayed there.”

Atkinson is currently eighth overall on his debut for WRC Team MINI Portugal with three stages of the FIA World Rally Championship event complete.

“I’m still exploring the car and there’s more to learn and improve but it’s definitely good,” said Atkinson.