Ed Jackson July 16, 2012
Australian Chris Atkinson has extended his FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship lead with a second place finish in the Malaysian Rally last weekend.
The Gold Coaster now holds a 45-point lead in the series, meaning a top three finish in the next round in Japan will hand the Skoda driver his first international rallying title.
"It's great to extend our lead in the championship and pick up another strong result for the MRF Skoda team," said the former World Rally Championship driver.
"If it wasn't for a burst pipe on Saturday I'm sure we would have been challenging for the lead yesterday afternoon."
Atkinson has so far won two and finished second twice in the four events on the Asia Pacific championship to dominate the standings.
While nearest rival Alastair McRae won in Malaysia, 31-year-old Atkinson's victory in five of Sunday's seven stages gave the Australian seven bonus points and put him a step closer to the title.
The Rally Hokkaido, where Atkinson can wrap up the championship, begins on September 14.