[3] First Yuriy's steps as a professional rally driver was helped by his family friend, businessman and motor sport enthusiast Taras Chernukha who becomes the co-driver of the crew for the next four seasons.

Another Lada Samara (season 2002) was again replaced by Ford Escort RS 2000 (2003), followed by Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2004), and finally, Subaru Impreza (2005).

However, for the continuation of a serious career, Protasov need the more professional co-driver – and he invites Alexander Gorbik, former navigator of Yuriy's main rival, Olexandr Saliuk Jr.

After spending a few races with the Ukrainian Kirill Nesvit and Pole Lukasz Wronski, Protasov returns to collaboration with Adrian Aftanaziv.

After overcoming a series of failures and retirements from the road, the crew seeks the first major international victory, winning the Greek Rally Elpa 2010.

Smart tactics and successful strategy allow the crew to perform well in the WRC 2 and, climbing the podium in three of the seven scoring events, to win the "bronze" of the world championship.

The second WRC round in Sweden becomes historical for Protasov: setting the best time overall on special stage 6, he becomes the first Ukrainian driver able to make it.

Both times heading the WRC 2, the crew managed only to finish outside top-three due to technical problems (engine overheating in Mexico and broken suspension in Argentina).

† Excluded from Championship Yuriy Protasov is the first Ukrainian driver to have won a WRC special stage when he finished fastest on SS6 of 2015 Rally Sweden.