Hyundai Motorsport integrates Chris Atkinson into test team

Hyundai Motorsport has added a third name to its test driver line-up with confirmation that Australian WRC driver Chris Atkinson will be part of the team's testing programme for 2013.

Thirty-three year old Atkinson will be behind the wheel of the i20 WRC for the first
time next week in a private test session. The skilled Australian will support Hyundai Motorsport's main test drivers Juho Hanninen and Bryan Bouffier at selected tests during the remainder of the year.

An experienced member of the FIA World Rally Championship community, Atkinson has thorough knowledge of all the events and terrains featured in the series, as well as solid experience with the current specification of World Rally Cars. The Australian is also the reigning FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion.

Atkinson recently flew from Australia to Hyundai Motorsport's headquarters in Alzenau to have a first glimpse at the i20 WRC, familiarise himself with the team and have a seat fitting ahead of his maiden test.

"It is great to be able to integrate Chris into the Hyundai Motorsport testing line-up for this season and I am convinced he will bring a lot of valuable WRC experience. Chris will support the work of our main test drivers Juho and Bryan. With the combined expertise of all three test drivers, we will be able to benefit from thorough and comprehensive input at every test session," said Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan.

"It is such an exciting project. After visiting the Hyundai Motorsport factory three weeks ago, I am simply impressed by the team’s commitment and achievements so far. I have a lot of experience of many different WRC cars and events, and I will utilise this knowledge to support the development of the 2014 i20 WRC car," said Chris Atkinson.

Posted in: Australia,Bryan Bouffier,Chris Atkinson,Europe,Hyundai,Hyundai Motorsport GmbH,i20 WRC,Juho Hanninen,Michel Nandan,Motor Sports