Atkinson secures full-time Global Rallycross seat

Former ace Subaru World Rally Championship driver Chris Atkinson is confirmed for a full program with the Japanese marque in the Red Bull Global Rallycross.

Subaru Rally Team USA will campaign Atkinson and Patrik Sandell in the US-based championship.

After joining the team for several late season starts last year, Atkinson made a big impression, helping with expert set-up feedback on the WRX STi GRC Supercar.

In just his third GRC event, Atkinson cracked Subaru’s first pole position at the 2016 GRC Los Angeles round.

“I enjoyed my first taste of Rallycross last year with the team, and it’s clear to see the potential both the team and the car have,” Atkinson said.

“I’m excited to come on board full-time with the squad, and I can’t wait to get started.

“The guys are working so hard in Vermont (team base) in the off-season to really give Patrik and I something very special to drive in 2017.”

Swede Sandell is one of the Red Bull GRC’s brightest stars and consistently one of the top drivers in the series.

Since debuting in 2013, Sandell has claimed 11 podiums and three race victories.

Atkinson and Sandell could be joined by Subaru factory guns David Higgins and Travis Pastrana in selected GRC events.

Both Higgins and Pastrana are focussing on the newly formed American Rally Association for Subaru, although cameos in the GRC have been flagged by the team.

VIDEO: Atkinson on his new GRC deal