Post by dcruz on Aug 1, 2010 22:37:14 GMT 7
PROTON and Chris Atkinson got their weekend off to a great start by winning the ‘Rally car vs Helicopter Race' held recently at the Sunshine Coast airport in Queensland, Australia. The race kicks-off an entire week of events leading up to the International Rally of Queensland, the fourth round of the 2010 FIA-Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).
Closed for an hour, the airport coordinated a race between a Proton Satria Neo S2000 car and a Robinson R44 helicopter and while it was extremely close on both occasions Atkinson was able to cross the line a few metres ahead of the helicopter.
"It was a great way to start our event and I hope we can make it three wins in row, by winning the rally this weekend", said an elated Atkinson after the race.
Australian Chris Atkinson is a hugely popular rally driver with notable achievements as a World Rally Car driver. He has driven for the Subaru World Rally Team since the 2005 season. His achievements include finishing second at the 2008 Rally México and Rally Argentina. Other podium placing include third place finishes at the 2005 Rally Japan and the 2008 Monte Carlo Rally.
The best drivers from Asia, the Pacific and Australia will be participating in what will be the largest Rally in Australia, with over 80 entries registered. The event will commence with a rally show and the 2.3 kilometre Coates Hire Rally Shootout at Caloundra on the evening of 30th July and continue with forestry Special Stages around Imbil in the Mary Valley over the weekend. The cars and crew will also visit the towns of Kenilworth and Cooroy on Saturday. 16 gravel Special Stages will be run over Saturday and Sunday in the Imbil State Forest, near Gympie. The total competitive distance of 276 kilometres includes two stages of around 35 kms, among the longest in international rallying.
Supported by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, the rally will also feature many activities including the local Australian Rally Championship and the Australian Classic Rally Competition. The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators from around the region.
The PROTON R3 Malaysia Rally Team is currently in Australia for the International Rally of Queensland which is being held from 30th July – 1st August as the team continues their quest in the 2010 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Team member, Scotsman Alister McRae finished an exceptional second in the previous round in New Zealand, delivering a solid result for PROTON after a promising debut early in the season.
With three rounds remaining for the team, PROTON is currently ranked second in the manufacturers championship table, with Mitsubishi in the lead, and Subaru at third placing.