Australian Chris Atkinson is confident a maiden win on the World Rally Championship is just around the corner with the introduction of Subaru’s new Impreza WRC2008.
Atkinson sits third in the standings after six rounds, 12 points behind Finn Mikko Hirvonen, with four-time world champion Sebastien Loeb of France second, a further three back.
He said he would have to start the weekend cautiously as he familiarised himself with his new car, but as soon as he felt comfortable he would let loose.
The new car represents a new direction for both Subaru and the Subaru World Rally Team in that it is the first Impreza to sport a five door body and the first Subaru world rally car to be fully designed using computational fluid dynamics.
It is the first Impreza world rally car without a trademark bonnet scoop and will a also sport a new livery.
“I think there’s a very positive feeling there,” he said.
“It’s exciting to be able to compete in a brand new car. As you’d expect, the team has done a good job, and it’s a big step in the right direction for us.
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