Atkinson out of Mexico but looking forward to APRC

MRF’s new signing Chris Atkinson retired from Rally Mexico firstly with no brakes, then broken suspension. However the Australian is looking forward to the APRC and driving the team’s new Skoda Fabia S2000 and  Japan’s WRC Plus magazine caught up with Atkinson in Mexico and asked him his thoughts on his new team and the Skoda Fabia S2000.

WRC PLUS: Why did you switch to MRF Team?

I’ve seen how Team MRF work in the APRC from my two years with Proton, so I’ve known for long time they are a great team. And now they’ve switched to the Skoda Fabia S2000 the team has has reached a new level, there is no better package with this car and this team. That’s why I decided to join Team MRF.

WRC PLUS: Have you driven the Skoda?

I’ve never driven a Fabia S2000, but I’ve seen how competitive they are and everyone rates the Skoda as the best S2000 rally car. I’m quite sure it will be a really competitive machine.

WRC PLUS What are your goals for 2012 APRC??

Last year I missed the title yet I had three wins, so I really want to be champion this season. For me, the first priority for this year is becoming the APRC drivers champion.

 

The first round of the 2012 Asia Pacific Rally Championship is later this month New Zealand’s Rally of Whangarei 30 March – 1 April. 

Photographs Keisuke Koga – WRC PLUS (Japan)

This article originally appeared on aprc.tv.

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