Earlier this Fall, rumors began to fly that Subaru Rally Team USA’s Ken Block had signed a deal with Monster Energy Drink to form a team that would contest FIA World Rally Championship rounds on a limited basis starting next year (moving to a full calendar in 2011). Linked with Block in the discussion was former Subaru-factory driver Chris Atkinson.

The Aussie finished his only WRC event of the season (Rally Ireland) fifth, but no deals or agreements came following the solid drive. It’s been difficult for private drivers to run in the WRC full time in recent years. Sponsorship and factory deals have been the way to go for many drivers keen on staying in the sport’s top level, but without them, drivers burn through their own money forming and managing teams.

Atkinson was kind enough to answer a few short questions regarding his future, the difficult 2009 season and what a full-time ride would mean to the him moving forward.

You’ve been out of the World Rally scene for nearly the entire year. A solid finish at Rally Ireland aside, how have you handled a disappointing 2009 season?

It’s been very tough watching from the sidelines, but I have had a few things keeping me preoccupied which has seen the year fly by. Obviously I have been hanging out to get back behind the wheel of a WRC car especially with such an exciting year between Sebastien and Mikko, but that’s life and all we can do is look toward the future.

Have you entertained the possibility of driving in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) or other rally series?

We looked into some options earlier in the year at Monte-Carlo, and while I think it is a great series, the WRC is where I want to be and where I want to achieve my dreams as a professional rally driver.

How has being away from a factory-backed team affected your confidence? How have you kept your skills sharp?

After four years with a factory outfit it’s been a different way of life in 2009. I’ve been keeping my fitness to a premium level all year and staying sharp behind the wheel with a few small private drives/tests here and there, predominantly back home in Oz. The ability to drive a rally car flatout is somewhat a natural gift, and one I definitely won’t be loosing in a hurry! Put me back behind the wheel of a WR car and it won’t be long before the speed is there again.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask about next season. Rumors aside, I know you’re working toward a deal. Reports are that you are a part of a potential deal with Ken Block to form a new Ford team backed by Monster Energy Drink. What would it mean for your future to secure a deal and get back into a World Rally Car?

My clear objective is to get back in the WRC in a competitive car as soon as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen. We’re having ongoing discussions with a number of different parties for 2010 but, as you’d expect, we can’t comment on any individual stories.

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