Atkinson crashes out on SS7
Subaru works driver Chris Atkinson has retired from the Wales Rally GB after crashing on SS7
The Australian spun the car approximately 7km into the Crychan stage, and dropped into a ditch. Although the car was not badly damaged, he was unable to recover his Impreza.
Atkinson was running fifth when he had the accident, and was involved in a close four-car battle for fourth. He was only 8.9 seconds behind Francois Duval overnight.
Atkinson said: "There was greenery and foliage on the inside. I hooked the right front wheel, which caught something and spun the back of the car round. We went off backwards and dropped 10 feet down off the road.
"The car is completely undamaged but we just can't get it back up the bank."
The accident is a major blow to Subaru, who was relying on Atkinson to score manufacturer points for the team following the disqualification of Ford's Toni Gardemeister. Subaru are 10 points behind Ford in the battle for third in the manufacturers championship.
Subaru have confirmed Atkinson will restart the event tomorrow under SuperRally regulations.
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