Atkinson happy with MINI WRC debut

Following his credible fifth place in Rallye Deutschland, Chris Atkinson is looking forward to even better things.

During the first day of competition in Germany Atkinson told Autosport: “I said that, at the end of the event, I wanted to be around 0.5 seconds per kilometre off Dani [Sordo’s] pace and we’re there now, so that’s good.

“I haven’t driven on asphalt for three and a half years, so this event is really about focusing on me and my driving—we know the car is up to the job. Finishing between sixth and 10th is my target and we’re on for that right now.”

Great to see Chris managed to better his pre-race expectations, even if it may have been due the misfortune of others.

Using horse racing parlance Atko will be better for the run. “This result has given us a good base to work from so big thanks to the team who have done a fantastic job all weekend,” said Atkinson.

“Our strategy was to get through a tricky rally without making any mistakes and it paid off. We can start fighting a bit higher up now and start moving forward.”

The next event on the WRC calendar is the Wales Rally GB in mid-September.

[Source: Autosport & wrc.com | Pic: Photo4]