[rustynutz]

Tue Dec 10 2013

Australian Chris Atkinson will resume competing at the World Rally Championship in 2014 after signing a deal with Hyundai Motorsport.

The Gold Coaster has been out of a full-time drive since the end of 2008 when his then team Subaru withdrew from the WRC.

Atkinson will compete as a factory driver in an i20 World Rally Car.

He has been a test driver for the team during 2013.

Atkinson will contest selected events in 2014 including Rally Australia on the Coffs Harbour Coast region in September.

The 34 year-old will partner with Belgian Stefan Prevot.

"I'm really looking forward to the 2014 season," Atkinson said.

"We've been testing with the team this year and the car is coming along great so it will be good to get into competitive action next year."

The 2014 FIA World Rally Championship starts in January with the Rallye Monte Carlo.