Malaysian based Proton is reportedly close to signing another driver for its 2010 IRC campaign. Alister McRae delivered a solid finish for Proton at last year’s Rally Scotland and is set to be one of the drivers in the car this year.
The question then remains who is in line for the second seat? Francois Duval is one of the names mentioned as well as former factory Subaru ace Chris Atkinson. The latter of the two has just completed a test for the Malaysian squad and is currently without a ride this season. According to the Proton boys, there has been a large degree of interest in the second ride as many drivers see large potential in the Satria Neo S2000. McRae was able to manage a second place in the 2009 season finale but will not attack the IRC until Rally Italy.
Duval is a well established driver who has success in the WRC as does Chris Atkinson. Chris is currently slated to assist American Ken Block in his WRC program in hopes of landing a Monster Energy ride next year. That leaves the rest of 2010 open for the Aussie. Chris’s manager has said a number of times that he would still like to see Chris in a car this year to keep his skills sharp for next year. Only time will tell as to whom the team picks, but more importantly I can’t wait to see Alister drive the Satria…he is a McRae and that guy can drive the wheels off a rally car.