LONDON, Oct 3 - Former champions Subaru have confirmed Australian Chris Atkinson as their second driver for the 2007 world rally season.

The team said in a statement on Tuesday that the 26-year-old, who last year became Australia's first full-time driver in the championship, and co-driver Glenn Macneall would take part in all the events next year.

Team managing director Richard Taylor added that Subaru would concentrate on a two-car entry in every rally, leaving no opportunity for French driver Stephane Sarrazin who has driven a third car this year.

Subaru's main driver is 2003 world champion Petter Solberg of Norway.

"It's great news," said Atkinson. "I'm happy to continue the relationship. I feel like I've really started to fit in and make a difference.

"The team is heading in a good direction now and I feel I can help them progress. I'm looking forward to next season, the strategies are in place to improve the overall package and I hope we can look forward to getting some better results."

Subaru have had a disappointing season, with Solberg scoring 23 points to world champion Sebastien Loeb's 112. The team are third in the manufacturers' standings, 63 points behind Loeb's Kronos Citroen.

Atkinson has scored 14 points.