Sandell and Atkinson for Subarus in GRC

Two ex-works World Rally drivers, Swede Patrik Sandell and Australian Chris Atkinson, will drive for Subaru Rally Team USA’S programme in the American-based Global Rallycross Championship this year.

The duo will drive a pair of Subaru WRX STI Supercars.

A six-time WRC podium finisher with Subaru, Atkinson made his rallycross debut with the team last season and qualified on pole position in Los Angeles, his third event for the squad.

Sandell moved to rallycross in 2013 with Swedish team Olsbergsmse, before switching to the Bryan Herta Rallysport team for the last two years, driving an M-sport-built Ford Fiesta. The former Suzuki driver has three race victories and 11 podiums to his name to date in GRC.

“To finally be a part of the Subaru family is a childhood dream coming true,” said Sandell. “I was watching Subaru cars rallying all over the world as a kid, and I am now proud to be in those same shoes. Subaru have been able to create a passion around its brand that I really like, as I am so passionate about both rally and rallycross myself. It feels like this is where I belong.”