Atkinson and co-driver Prevot started the day well, going second-fastest on the opening stage, but their improved form was unfortunately not to last. Missing the afternoon's excitement, the duo were forced into retirement having demonstrated more competitive pace until they nudged a bank on the inside of a corner and damaged their radiator.

They were brought to a standstill 21.3 kilometres into the stage as a result of overheating, and the pair were unable to re-start their engine.

"OK, this weekend has been tough for us, especially after our third position on the last gravel rally in Finland," said Atkinson. "It's disappointing that we had to retire today. We were testing some suspension components, and under braking the car slid straight on and we nosed into a bank and damaged the radiator, so that was it. Now we have a little gap to look at what we can do ahead of Spain."

The Subaru Impreza WRC2008 is still in its infancy in the championship, and although its sense of belonging makes it easy to accept already as a series long-termer, New Zealand is only the fifth rally for the car.

The World Rally Championship heads to Spain next for Rally Catalunya Costa Daurada, round 12 of the series. The penultimate asphalt rally of the year, it will be the second tarmac rally for the new Impreza WRC2008. A flat-out blast through the fast and flowing mountain stages of Tarragona, Catalunya is the quickest asphalt rally of the year and also the most similar to a circuit race, characterised by wide smooth roads and sweeping corners.

The event is based in the coastal resort town of Salou, further south along the coastline from Barcelona in the Tarragona region. The service park is based in the PortAventura holiday theme park, though eighteen stages and 353.62 kilometres of competition won't give the drivers much time to enjoy the roller-coasters...

D.B. © CAPSIS International