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Chris Atkinson admits there will be pressure to perform on his WRC return with Hyundai as he bids to outperform his team-mates to ensure a full-time 2015 drive.
The 34-year-old Queenslander was unveiled as one of four drivers to pilot the all new Hyundai i20 WRC next year as the Korean marque returns to the top rallying category after a 10-year absence.
For Atkinson, the deal will see him rejoin a works WRC team in a full capacity for the first time in five years.
He will drive alongside 2013 runner-up Thierry Neuville, former Citroen ace Dani Sordo and experienced Finn Juho Hanninen.
With Neuville confirmed as the lead driver, it is understood Atkinson, tarmac specialist Sordo and gravel expert Hanninen will be deployed on events suited to their specialist surfaces, in a bid to aid the development of the all new i20 WRC.
At this stage Atkinson is officially pencilled in for Rally Australia at Coffs Harbour in September but is expected to be named for other rallies in due course.
Such an array of talent at Hyundai’s disposal bodes a fascinating inter-team battle.
Former Subaru works driver, Atkinson, is fully aware of the battle he faces against his team mates and the scrutiny he could come under with 2015 looming.
“We are paid to perform so I guess there will be an element of competition amongst the Hyundai drivers but there is an element of helping the team progress, and that is just as important as being competitive”, said Atkinson.
“You could go out there and wreck some cars but show some amazing speed but I don’t think that will suit the team.
“I believe they have chosen us all on experience and the ability to get the cars to the end of the rallies at a good pace.
“The idea is we are developing the car. Next year is our learning year.
“We are looking more towards 2015 and of course we would like results in 2014 but it is a case of building and growing the team for the season after.
“We have got to start from scratch and build the team and that is a big workload. There has to be a realistic approach but of course I would like to get on the podium at some point next year.”
“My program for 2014 is a little under wraps at the minute. Dani Sordo is a tarmac specialist whereas Juho (Hanninen) and I are more suited to gravel but we are capable of getting results on tarmac.
“There is a bit of mixture and Thierry had a great year last year so we certainly have a good team.”
Hyundai will end their decade-long hiatus from the WRC when the 2014 season kicks off at the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally in mid-January.
Neuville and Sordo will form Hyundai’s squad for the i20’s maiden event at one of rallying’s most iconic events.
