Atkinson mate wait

But it will not be anything new for a motorsport ace who made his Bathurst debut last weekend, finishing second for Subaru behind the BMW of Paul Morris and Craig Baird in the 12-hour production shootout at Mount Panorama.

After more than two years with Glenn MacNeal alongside him in the Subaru Impreza WRC in rallies around the world, Atkinson is about to take on a new co-driver.

He won't know until today who that co-driver will be, after complicated negotiations to pick a successor to the talented and committed youngster who was also living his dream.

MacNeal has backed out of the World Rally Championship for personal reasons and is expected to pursue a business career in New Zealand while guiding the rally career of his partner, Emma Gilmour, from the passenger's seat.

"It's probably been coming for a little while. It's a bit both ways," Atkinson says.

"You have to commit 110 per cent to this job and I don't think he felt he could."

MacNeal and Atkinson split after their most recent start together in the WRC in Rally Portugal, leaving his driver with a new challenge and a new opportunity.

"We have a few options. We're just working through them, and the plan is to have the new person at a test this weekend in Europe," Atkinson says.

"There are a lot of good co-drivers, but you want an outstanding one. I also want someone who is experienced, but not too old.

"The main thing is they are competent in the car. Not many people have experience at that level and that speed."

Atkinson now lives in Monaco and could end up with a French or British co-driver, though former world champion Nicky Grist has been cut from the shortlist.

Atkinson hopes to go in on a high with his new partner after recent upgrading and testing of the latest Impreza WRC, despite struggling, then crashing in Portugal.

"We made some changes for Portugal, but I need confidence in the rear end of the car. If I'm not confident I cannot push," he says.

"I was worrying too much about the car in the last stage.

I misheard a note and screwed up and we went off.

"It should be better from here. If we can do consistent rallies, like we did in Mexico and Monte Carlo, with good speed and no mistakes, it will ensure the future and some good results. It's a matter of getting the car so I can do that."