A Rally car vs a helicopter? Sounds like something you would see on Top Gear isn’t it. We’re glad to report that this actually took place, this time with Proton’s very own Satria Neo S2000 car and a Robinson R44 helicopter.
The S2000 produces 280hp from its 2.0 litre engine while the Robinson pumps out 243hp and designed to move the helicopter at a maximum speed of 240km/h. Well long story short the car, driven by Chris Atkinson, crossed the line a few metres ahead of the helicopter.
This stunt was a build up to the International Rally of Queensland, which is the fourth round of the 2010 FIA- Asia Pacific Rally Championship. “It was a great way to start our event and I hope we can make it three wins in row, by winning the rally this weekend”, said Atkinson.
The largest rally in Australia, it attracts the best drivers from Asia, the Pacific and Australia with over 80 registered entrants. The event runs over the weekend and covers a competitive distance of 276 kilometres which also include two stages of around 35 kilometres, known as the longest in international rallying.
Atkinson is a popular rally driver and has collected accolades during his time as a World Rally Car driver with podium finishes at the 2008 Rally Mexico and Rally Argentina, along with third placing in 2005 Rally Japan and 2008 Monte Carlo Rally.
Along with his team mate Alister McRae, who finished second in the previous round in New Zealand, the PROTON team are doing well as they are currently ranked second in the manufacturer’s championship table with Mitsubishi in the lead and Subaru in third place.
