Atkinson takes runners-up spot in Bathurst.

Subaru's number two driver, Chris Atkinson took his first podium of the year on the Bathurst 12-Hour Showroom Enduro on Sunday, when he finished second overall.

The Aussie, who was competing in an Impreza WRX STI, shared the car with fellow Australian rally drivers, Cody Crocker and Dean Herridge. They were engaged in a tough battle with the BMW 335i, driven by Garry Holt, Craig Baird and Paul Morris throughout the 257-lap affair and although they only lost out near the end, they had one other consolation, namely that they won their class, for All-Wheel Drive Performance Cars.

"The car performed incredibly well on its first outing," Atkinson told the Subaru WRT's official website. "It was a big change from what we normally do but it was a real highlight. We all learnt a lot and I'm sure we'd all jump at the opportunity to do this again."

2006 Asia Pacific Rally champion, Crocker was also pleased, although he said that had all hoped for rain. "We just kept the car neat and tidy the whole time, looking after the tyres and brakes, and we just don't have the outright speed to match the other guys," he continued. "We would have liked a bit of rain, that would have favoured us, but sadly for us it stayed dry all twelve hours in Bathurst."

Subaru Motorsport boss, Derek Ashby meanwhile was full of praise for Atkinson and his two team-mates: "Here were three guys who had never raced around this track before, up against guys who have vast experience on the mountain. They showed their class," he added.