New Zealand (P/S) - 5-9 May 10

Citroen Reports

Posted: May 19, 2010 2:29 PM

Citroen Sport WRC Press Release

Citroen Sport Junior WRC Press Release

S-WRC & P-WRC Reports

Posted: May 19, 2010 2:24 PM

S-WRC Report

P-WRC Report

Ketomaa pips Pons to the post in Ford Fiesta S2000 clean sweep.

Posted: May 19, 2010 1:00 PM

The 40th edition of Rally New Zealand saw an enthralling battle evolve over the weekend in the S-WRC class as Jari Ketomaa/Mika Sterberg produced a stunning victory in their Ford Fiesta S2000 after the three-day event, preventing Spanish competitor, Xevi Pons, from a third consecutive victory.  

This year’s Rally New Zealand returned to Auckland for the first time since 2005, enabling rally organisers to reintroduce fast, flowing stages from 2005’s WRC rally alongside four brand new stages comprising of mixed gravel and tarmac road surfaces. A new service park at Queen’s Wharf was built beside Auckland’s harbour where thousands of lively WRC fans flocked to watch the official ceremonial start on Thursday evening.  

The first full day of action saw seven S-WRC competitors venture north to the Whangareri and Kaipara region for a series of eight stages along fast, flowing gravel roads. Mild temperatures and lack of rainfall meant that day one’s stages were dusty with a thick layer of gravel. Both Janne Tuohini and Ketomaa struggled with the amount of dust on these opening stages but Tuohini came off worst and rolled his car during SS5, forcing him to retire.  

Ketomaa’s crank sensor failed during SS3 and reported further problems with his engine in SS4 but the short 15 remote service at Whangerai meant his engineers were unable address the problems thoroughly. Despite this, the Finn led the S-WRC class at the end of day one – 22.5 seconds ahead of competitor, Xevi Pons and his co-driver Alex Haro. Czech Martin Prokop had a clear run and was lying in third position - this completed a clean Fiesta podium finish after the first nine stages.  

Day two’s stages were based south of Auckland, in the Franklin and Northern Waikato region with parts of the tests used in 2006, 2007 and 2008’s rally and a repeat loop of a new 4.68km Super Special Stage set on tarmac at the international Hampton Downs Motor Race Circuit.   

Janne Tuohino returned to the action on day two under SupeRally regulations, despite his Fiesta S2000 suffering extensive damage as a result of his roll on Friday. Ketomaa continued to lead the S-WRC class throughout day two whilst Martin Prokop produced a series of consistent times and managed to maintain third position. Pons had a clear run but the gap between the Spaniard and the seemingly unstoppable Ketomaa extended to over a minute by the end of day two.  

Overnight rain on Saturday night made the final four tests over 81.70km next to the west coast town of Raglan quite slippery. The picturesque Whaanga Coast stage, SS19 and SS21, is notoriously difficult in the WRC calendar and consisted of a variety of crests, open roads and twisting corners which run along the spectacular Tasman Sea coastline.  

An exciting battle ensued for second place during the afternoon’s SWRC class and Prokop was just 16.4 seconds adrift of Pons at the end of SS20.  Tuohini, on the other hand, encountered another stroke of bad of luck as he started the final stage on only three cylinders but felt his engine tighten after 6km, forcing the young Finn to retire.  

The end of the fourth round of the S-WRC in Rally New Zealand saw a clean sweep of podium finishes for the Fiesta S2000s.  Ketomaa produced ten fastest stage times during the three-day event and led Pons by 54.1 seconds overall.  The Fiesta S2000 has now won the opening three rounds of the SWRC class and Pons leads the championship overall.  

Xevi Pons said:
“I was pushing a lot on the first day and the car felt good.  Each stage I felt as if I was doing better than the last.  The car set-up was good on Saturday but I made some silly mistakes in the morning’s stages. I tried to concentrate more this afternoon and it paid off.  I had a small spin but Ketomaa was pushing hard.  Today the set-up of the car was perfect but the first two stages were slippery.  The second loop in the afternoon was better. I am happy overall because second place is still very good for the championship.  

Janne Tuohino said:
“I am really disappointed after this weekend.  I felt that I was getting into a good rhythm on Saturday but struggled again on Sunday.  I knew it was a risk to drive on three cylinders before I started the final stage but I really wanted to get to the end and finish.  It was very sad for me to have to retire when I was so close to finishing the 21 stages.”  

Jari Ketomaa said:
“This was a great rally and I gained a lot of confidence from over the weekend.  The stages were similar to the roads back in Finland so I was able to manipulate them better in comparison to Jordan which was a bit of a disaster.  Everything started well on Friday but Pons was pushing all day so I needed to hold concentration for the whole day. On the second day, we were struggling in the slow sections with understeer but the car was working well.  The rain overnight made the stages quite slippery today so I was struggling to find the right rhythm  I was just trying to keep on the road though and hold onto my position.”  

Martin Prokop said:
“The first day was really fun and the set-up on the car was good.  I had a small problem with my engine on Friday but I was just trying to keep up my speed and keep an eye on Xevi [Pons].  On Saturday, we lost a lot of time in the afternoon because of all the dust.  The time we lost from Friday meant we lost the battle with Ketomaa and Pons.  I enjoyed today’s stages very much and I had a good rhythm, the car set up was perfect.  I look forward to my next round in Finland.”  

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:
“This was an extremely exciting round in the S-WRC class and I am delighted that the [Ford] Fiesta S2000 had an overall 1-2-3 finish. Ketomaa drove sensationally over the weekend and Pons did well to keep on his tail throughout – we are lucky to have so many talented drivers in this class.”

Munchi’s Produce Points after Māori Mission

Posted: May 19, 2010 12:54 PM

Jorge Pérez Companc rejoined Federico Villagra as co-driver for the Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team this weekend for the fifth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC).  The Argentinean duo made steady progress during the 40th edition of Rally New Zealand, moving from eleventh position at the end of day one and finishing ninth overall.  

This year’s Rally New Zealand returned to Auckland for the first time since 2005, enabling rally organisers to reintroduce fast, flowing stages from 2005’s rally alongside four brand new stages comprising of mixed gravel and tarmac road surfaces. A new service park at Queen’s Wharf was built beside Auckland’s harbour where thousands of lively WRC fans flocked to watch the official ceremonial start on Thursday evening.  

The first leg of the 40th edition of Rally New Zealand began in dry conditions and saw fifty-six competitors venture 2 hours north to the Whangareri and Kaipara for a series of eight fast stages along flowing gravel roads.  Mild temperatures and lack of rain meant stages were dusty with a thick layer of gravel; the 40-year-old Argentinean rally champion reported problems with finding the right rhythm during these opening stages.  

Villagra was lying in twelfth position as he pulled into the midday remote service at Whangerai but during the afternoon the 40-year-old driver settled into a more consistent rhythm finishing SS6, SS8 and SS9 inside the top ten. This steady performance moved the duo into eleventh position at the end of day one, just 9.5 seconds off S-WRC competitor, Xevi Pons, who occupied tenth position.  

Day two’s stages were based south of Auckland, in the Franklin and Northern Waikato region with parts of the tests used in 2006, 2007 and 2008’s rally and a repeat loop of a new 4.68km Super Special Stage set on tarmac at the international Hampton Downs Motor Race Circuit. Villagra steadily improved throughout the morning, producing three stage times inside the top ten and pulling into midday service at Hampton Downs in a comfortable tenth position.  

Remote service regulations combined with the short 15 minute service at Hampton Downs meant that The Munchi’s service team had limited time to change the set-up on the Ford Focus RS WRC and could only change the rear anti-roll bar.  During the afternoon, the Munchi’s team produced four top ten stage times and finished the end of day two, just 16.1 seconds off claiming ninth position.  

The final day comprised of four tests over 81.70km near to the west coast town of Raglan and included the notoriously difficult Whaanga Coast stage which ran along the spectacular Tasman Sea coastline. All four stages were used in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 rally and SS18 and SS20 included the same 1.47km tarmac start with a smooth gravel finish. Despite the stage being quite short, it was very technical with lots of corners over blind crests.  

Overnight rain made Friday’s opening stages quite slippery but this caused no visible problems for the Argentinean duo whose confidence was evident in their stage times as a result of the overnight set-up. The spectacular Whaangra Coast stage, one of the most beautiful stages on the WRC calendar, consisted of fast, open roads with many crests in the first half and finished with several tight, twisty corners. After a fast first passing Villagra moved up into ninth position and the Spanish SWRC driver, Xevi Pons, moved back into tenth position.  The second passing was more difficult for Villagra as he struggled with brakes on the final stage and lost a significant amount of time.  

Despite the problem on the final stage, Villagra successfully held on to his ninth position overall and leaves the fifth round of WRC with a further haul of 6 manufacturer points for the Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team.  

Munchi’s Ford WRT driver Federico Villagra said:
“During the first day I couldn’t get a good rhythm. I felt like the wheels were spinning and I couldn’t get a proper grip on the tests. The second day everything went better - the changes from the overnight service on the brakes and diff make the car run smoother in the morning’s stages. I was very happy with the set-up during the final day and I felt like we were steadily improving. I found the morning’s stages difficult but the afternoon was better as the surfaces were much cleaner.  During the final stage I lost my brakes and lost a lot of time which was disappointing but I am pleased to have finished and felt we did well generally.”

Latvala/Anttila wins Rally New Zealand for Ford after dramatic finale

Posted: May 19, 2010 12:52 PM

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team drivers Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila today won Rally New Zealand after a storybook ending to this fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship. After remarkable drama in the final few kilometres, the Finns won by just 2.4sec in their Ford Focus RS World Rally Car - the third closest finish ever. The victory means Ford becomes the most successful manufacturer in the history of the WRC with 75 wins.

Team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen finished fourth in another Focus RS WRC, to enable Ford to close to within five points of the lead in the manufacturers' championship standings with eight rounds remaining. Latvala's victory was his third career success and his first since triumphing in Italy almost 12 months ago. He climbs to second in the drivers' standings and Hirvonen moves up to third.

Ford and Rally New Zealand have a habit of generating excitement in recent years. The team won the manufacturers' world title here in 2006 for the first time in 27 years. Twelve months later Marcus Grönholm won after the closest finish in WRC history, with an advantage of just 0.3sec.

The event returned to Auckland as the host city for the first time since 2005. Organisers took advantage of new-for-2010 rules to increase the competitive distance to 396.50km over three days, making it the longest WRC round since 2004. The action took place on smooth, flowing speed tests to the north and south-west of the City of Sails. The predominantly gravel special stages, regarded as the best in the world by many drivers, were spiced up with the addition of several asphalt sections.

Latvala was one of four leaders during the opening day, which he ended in second. The 25-year-old Finn was frustrated after losing time yesterday and started the final day in third, 33.2sec from the lead but in a better start position than those ahead. He climbed a place on the second of the four speed tests on the Tasman Sea coastline near Raglan and went into the final stage, the legendary 29.67km Whaanga Coast, just 6.2sec from the lead.

Four drivers started with a chance of victory. Petter Solberg was the first to fall by the wayside when he crashed into a telegraph pole and then Sébastien Loeb spun, for the second time in the test, less than 10km from the finish. Remarkably leader Sébastien Ogier then went off the road just three corners from the finish. Amid all the drama, the consistent Latvala kept calm to power to a fairytale victory.

"I didn't think it could happen, it's the most amazing and beautiful win," said Latvala. "Whaanga Coast showed its teeth. I neared the end of the stage and could see a car's bumper on the road but I didn't know which car it was from. I didn't know we had won until three minutes after the finish of the stage and Miikka did the calculations. It's my best win and makes up for my disappointments.

"I can't believe I'm second in the championship. I wasn't the fastest here but I was the most consistent and that paid off when it mattered. I need to carry on doing the job I'm doing as second driver because my strategy is working. It was a fantastic rally over the most beautiful roads in the world," he added.

Hirvonen struggled to find the pace he wanted during the opening two days, and the 29-year-old Finn began the final day in sixth, a minute from the lead. He more than halved that deficit during the opening two stages this morning as he climbed to fifth and then gained another position on the final stage when Solberg crashed out.

"It was a difficult weekend but I was able to climb up today and score valuable points for the team and myself," he said. "After yesterday I thought there would be no chance of a good result. I struggled and the mistake I made cost a lot. I need to think about why I had no speed yesterday. If I could start the weekend again I would change my Friday set up."

Delighted BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson said: "This sport has a habit of producing the unexpected. The last three days have been full-on excitement and the drama we witnessed takes some believing. Jari-Matti displayed great maturity. We worked hard with him after last season to develop greater consistency and maturity, and he showed how far he has progressed."

Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn hailed Ford's 75th WRC win. "Ford is a stalwart supporter of world rallying and our 75th victory is a landmark achievement. Ford has won with the Escort and we have won with the Sierra but it's fitting that the Focus, our most successful rally car, should claim our 75th victory in its final season as our WRC challenger."

News from other Ford teams
The Ford Fiesta S2000 claimed a clean sweep of the podium positions in the S-WRC support category. Jari Ketomaa and Mika Stenberg led home Xevi Pons and Alex Haro by 54.1sec, with Martin Prokop and Jan Tománek third. The Fiesta S2000, which will form the basis of Ford's all-new Fiesta WRC for the 2011 campaign, has won the opening three rounds of the category. Pons leads the championship.

Next round
The opening half of the season ends on gravel with the Rally de Portugal. It is based in Faro on the Algarve coast on 27 - 30 May.

Results

Posted: May 19, 2010 12:50 PM

1. J-M Latvala/M Anttila (Ford Focus WRC) 4hr 04min 09.8sec
2. S Ogier/J Ingrassia (Citroen C4 WRC) 4hr 04min 12.2sec
3. S Loeb/D Elena (Citroen C4 WRC) 4hr 04min 25.0sec
4. M Hirvonen/J Lehtinen (Ford Focus WRC) 4hr 04min 31.1sec
5. D Sordo/M Marti (Citroen C4 WRC) 4hr 04min 35.6sec
6. M Wilson/S Martin (Ford Focus WRC) 4hr 07min 35.8sec
7. H Solberg/I Minor (Ford Focus WRC) 4hr 10min 25.1sec
8. J Ketomaa/M Stenberg (Ford Fiesta S2000) 4hr 14min 29.1sec
9. F Villagra/J Perez Companc (Ford Focus WRC) 4hr 14min 59.6sec
10 X Pons/A Haro (Ford Fiesta S2000) 4hr 15min 23.2sec

Full Results: www.wrc.com

• Rally New Zealand

Ford's world rally stars make a splash in Auckland Harbour.

Posted: May 5, 2010 3:39 PM

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team drivers and co-drivers tasted a different mode of transport today as they took to the water onboard an America's Cup racing yacht in New Zealand.

Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila set sail in Auckland Harbour aboard the 1995 race-winning yacht, NZL40. After being taught the basics of how to sail by experienced yachtsmen from Emirates Team New Zealand, the Finns put their new-found skills to the test by winning a race against their FIA World Rally Championship rivals from Citroen.

The BP Ford Abu Dhabi team members were joined by Stobart M-Sport Ford drivers Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor and team-mates Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin. All are in Auckland ahead of this weekend's Rally New Zealand, round five of the championship.

"This was a great way to relax before the rally starts," said 29-year-old Hirvonen. "I didn't realise we would have to get so involved though! I've never done any sailing before so there was plenty to take in, but once I'd been shown how to grind, they couldn't keep me away. It's quite hard work when the wind picks up out there, but it blew in our favour and helped us to win the race. Auckland is one of my favourite cities and to have the opportunity to see it from the harbour was fantastic."

The America's Cup is yachting's oldest and most prestigious race. Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails', last hosted the America's Cup in 2003.

Not content with their new found skills on the water, Latvala and Anttila wanted another adrenaline rush. So they travelled directly to Auckland's Harbour Bridge to bungee jump off it. "That was amazing! Driving a World Rally Car gives you an enormous buzz, but this was something I've never experienced before. The view of Auckland from the top of the bridge was fantastic too," said Latvala.

Rally New Zealand starts in Auckland on Thursday evening and finishes in the city on Sunday afternoon after almost 400km of flat-out driving on the flowing roads of New Zealand's North Island.

Ford Fiesta S2000 Crews Transported to New Zealand

Posted: May 2, 2010 6:34 PM

The 40th edition of Rally New Zealand will see four Ford Fiesta Super 2000s make their way to the southern hemisphere for the fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).  Xevi Pons has already won Super World Rally Championship (SWRC) rounds in both Sweden and Mexico earlier this year and his competitors will have to push hard to prevent the Spaniard from winning his third consecutive victory out in New Zealand.  

The previous WRC round in Turkey saw two Ford Fiesta S2000s battle it out in brutally rough stages to the north of Istanbul. The three-day event finished with Dennis Kuipers in a fantastic ninth position overall and the 24-year-old broke a new record as the first ever Dutch driver to score WRC points in an S2000.  

Rally New Zealand is the longest running championship event in the southern hemisphere and holds the record for being the closest championship finish in WRC history when the gap between winner and runner up in 2007’s Rally New Zealand was only 0.3 seconds.  

After a year’s absence from the WRC calendar, the 2010 rally will be returning 125kms north-east of its previous base in Hamilton to the country’s largest city, Auckland. The event will officially begin on Thursday evening with a ceremonial start in the Viaduct Harbour located on the waterfront of Auckland’s central business district.  

Rally HQ will be hosted from entertainment complex, Sky City, which also encompasses Auckland’s tallest landmark, the Sky Tower. With its numerous restaurants, bars and cafés, Sky City will appeal to rally fans of all ages and act as an ideal venue to host several pre-event activities throughout the week leading up to the rally.  

Competing alongside Xevi Pons will be Czech driver Martin Prokop who is looking to replicate his podium finish from Mexico earlier this year. Prokop had an excellent track record from competing in his first rally New Zealand back in 2008, winning the PWRC class and finishing tenth overall so will be tough competition for Pons.  

Finnish competitors Janne Tuohino and Jari Ketomaa both encountered problems during the rough stages of Rally Jordan but are looking to produce fast stage times on more forgiving roads in New Zealand. Both Finns have reported that New Zealand’s 21 tests over 396.50km will be similar to the stages on their home turf in Finland.  

Day one will consist of a series of nine stages over 159.18 competitive distance including a repeat loop at SS3 and SS7 of the rally’s longest stage at 32.56km. This early challenge along with a brand new test in SS5 will require the S2000 crews’ full attention from the very beginning. The evening will also include a short Super Special Stage of 1.5km set to take place at the Auckland Domain.

  The second full day includes two loops of lengthy stages over 20km before culminating with a brand new 4.68km tarmac stage in SS13 and SS17 at the new international Hampton Downs Motor Race Circuit.  

The final day comprises of just four stages comprising of 81.70km, including the notoriously difficult Whaanga Coast stage which could prove pivotal in the result.  The crews will be looking to produce fast stage times in the first two days in order to consolidate a good position by the time it comes to the finale on Sunday.  

Xevi Pons said:
“I’m happy to be leading the championship and pleased to go to New Zealand because it has been a good rally for me in the past. Jordan was a really hard event for everyone but I got to know the car well when I was out there and I think I will get a good result next week.”  

Janne Tuohino said:
“I last drove in New Zealand back in 2005 and really liked the roads out there.  They were fast and much like they are back home in Finland.  I really hope we do well out there as we need some fast stage times.  I have a new co-driver for this event so this will be a new challenge but I have driven with him for two rallies before so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.  Hopefully we produce good times out in New Zealand.”  

Jari Ketomaa said:
“I’m looking forward to going out to New Zealand and doing more mileage in the S2000. We were unlucky in the WRC round in Jordan as I had some technical problems before the ceremonial start and I couldn’t compete in day one. During day two I had problems with the alternator belt but in the final day I got used to the car and did very fast times. The car felt very good.  The stages will be very different from Jordan in new Zealand and more similar to Finland which I prefer.”  

Martin Prokop said:
“Last time I was in New Zealand I won the PWRC class and finished in tenth position overall so it is a very good rally for me. I got into a really good rhythm in the S2000 when I was over in Mexico so I hope that I can do just as well next week.”  

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:
“I am delighted that Rally New Zealand is returning to the traditional base of Auckland this year. The SWRC class includes some very talented drivers and I think it could be a very close battle.  It will be interesting to see how Prokop performs as it was an excellent event for him two years ago. Pons has had a fantastic season so far, finishing first in both Jordan and Mexico and Ketomaa and Tuohino will have the speed to go well in New Zealand. There is little doubt that it will be an exciting weekend in the SWRC class.”

Another run for Ogier and Ingrassia

Posted: May 2, 2010 6:31 PM

This year’s World Rally Championship programme for Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia was originally scheduled for 12 events, but now it has been extended to take in New Zealand as well. The French crew is driving a C4 WRC run by the Citroen Junior Team, and just like last year they now benefit from a full FIA World Rally Championship season in 2010.

The route for the 40th Rally New Zealand incorporates many elements of the itinerary that was run between 2005 and 2008. The first day will take competitors north towards Whangarei on roads that haven’t been used on the event for five years. On Saturday the competitors will head south towards Hamilton, where the Rally New Zealand was formerly based. Finally, the last day will be concentrated on the west coast around Raglan – including two passes over the famous Whaanga Coast test (SS19 and SS21), which all the drivers love.

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were meant to have taken part in just 12 rallies this year, but now they have an unexpected bonus in the form of Rally New Zealand. The decision was taken on the Rally Mexico, following a stunning performance from the 2008 Junior World Rally Champion. The budget to make the trip to New Zealand, where Ogier and Ingrassia will be competing on completely new territory for them, was topped up with the help of Citroen Racing’s partners.

“I’m expecting it to be a more difficult rally for us than Turkey, as we are discovering an event that the other drivers already know well,” said Sebastien.
“But I really can’t wait to get started, as the stages in New Zealand are some of the best in the world.” After setting 12 fastest stage times so far this season, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are among the best performers of 2010. Only Sébastien Loeb and Petter Solberg are in front of them.

In New Zealand, the firm objective for Sébastien and Julien will be to gain experience on a completely new event for them. New Zealand also marks the occasion of their 25th World Rally Championship start, in their 19th different country! “I think it’s a rally that I’m going to like,” Sébastien added. “It will be a really nice opportunity for me to drive the Citroen C4 WRC on fast and flowing stages.”

The 40th Rally New Zealand will start on May 6 from Auckland: the country’s largest city, which is home to about a third of the population. With a total of 396.5 competitive kilometres, this will be the longest round of the World Rally Championship since the 2003 Rallye de France-Tour de Corse.

Three questions to... Sébastien Ogier
How did you get back from Istanbul?
“I only had to wait for one day in Istanbul before I was able to get a plane to Lyon and return home. By contrast, Julien went all the way back to France by coach with some of the team. I’ve not got too much to complain about compared to some other people!”

New Zealand wasn’t on your programme at the start of the year. How did the decision to do this extra event come about?
“Our initial programme was for 12 rounds of the World Rally Championship.
Then the team managed to get the budget together to fund the remaining event. I think our results since the start of the year certainly created extra motivation for everyone.”

You seem to have made a notable step forwards since last year. What has changed?
“It’s a massive help to have had one full season of the World Rally Championship already behind me in the Citroen C4 WRC. Rallying is a sport that requires a lot of experience if you want to fight at the front. All the different stages on all the different surfaces that we have covered so far in the C4 allow us to drive at a much quicker pace now. We’re maybe taking a few more risks, but we’re keeping calm about it. We still have a lot to learn, but our results show that we are on the right road.”

Loeb, Elena and Citroën out to defend their lead

Posted: May 2, 2010 6:30 PM

After Europe, America and Asia the WRC is bound for Australasia for Rally New Zealand. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, victorious in the last three 2010 rallies, are heading for the Antipodes determined to continue in the same vein. Dani Sordo and Marc Marti, their team-mates in the Citroën Total World Rally Team, are hoping to finally reap the rewards of their efforts with a place on the podium.

Rally New Zealand has been on the World Championship calendar since 1977, and is one of the classic rallies .The gravel roads are quick and really sort out the men from the boys: the drivers love them, and so do the photographers! The Whaanga Coast stage on a cliff bordering the Tasmanian Sea is considered by many as the most beautiful spot of the season.

The 2010 event marks a return to Auckland. The service park will be located on the port near the facilities used for the Americas Cup at the start of the noughties. The route promises a very varied challenge with three service parks in Whangarei (Friday), Hampton Downs (Saturday) and Raglan (Sunday).

In the last Rally New Zealand in 2008, Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo gave the Citroën Total World Rally Team a double! The five-time world championship team will arrive in the country in the role of defender. This status is reinforced by the results of the opening rallies of the season, as after finishing second in Sweden, Loeb won the next three rounds in Mexico, Jordan and Turkey, so it’s no surprise to find him leading the Drivers’ World Championship, while the Citroën Total World Rally Team is in front in the Manufacturers’ one.

Seb has a 40-point lead over his closest pursuer and he will leave Auckland leading the championship, no matter what the result. “Everything’s gone well for us in the early part of the season,” smiles the Citroën driver. “The fact that our main rivals have shared the runner-up spots has helped us to open up a gap in the overall classification. Even if we’ve won the New Zealand Rally on two occasions I’m still being a bit cautious, as our rivals are usually very strong on this type of surface. Whatever the case, I’m really looking forward to racing in this event. The stages are magnificent and fairly easy on the car; it’s one of the rallies where you get the most pleasure out of driving. Dani Sordo has had an up-and-down start to the season with two fourth places and two retirements. The Spaniard has always been on the pace in terms of sheer performance, but he hasn’t yet managed to turn this into results. “I hope that Lady Luck’s going to smile on me at last and that I’ll be back on the podium,” he states. “We’ve been among the front-runners in all the events so far; there’s no reason why it should be any different in New Zealand. What we’ve been lacking is just that little bit of success to transform our potential into results for the team. I’ll devote myself to continuing in the same vein in this event that I really like.”

Three questions to Olivier Quesnel
Rally Turkey was a very exciting event to follow and the pace wasn’t dictated by the usual questions of strategy. Are you happy about this?
“It’s absolutely true. This rally was run in perfect sporting conditions. I think it’s what the teams, drivers, media and the spectators prefer. Rally Jordan showed the limits of the regulations! Malcolm Wilson, the Ford team manager and I concluded a gentleman’s agreement not to have drivers clocking in in advance so that they would sweep the road. The Stewards of the Meeting of Rally Turkey also made it clear that any manœuvres harming the image of the sport would be penalised. All this allowed us to have a great weekend in terms of sport. We’ll see what happens in New Zealand where the positions on the road could be crucial.”

How would you judge the Citroën drivers’ start to the season?
“With 93 points scored out of a possible 100, Sébastien Loeb is true to himself! People often ask him if he’s not a bit blasé but I can tell you that he’s as motivated as ever to win his seventh world title on the trot! Dani Sordo’s results are a bit more irregular. I hope he’s got the monkey off his back for the season and that he’ll make his usual contribution to the team. His retirement in Turkey is a perfect illustration of his lack of success. All the leading drivers went off in the same spot, but he was the only one who damaged his car. In each rally we’ve been surprised by Sébastien Ogier’s continually improving performances. He just gets on with the job, listens, learns and progresses in each rally. It won’t be long before he scores his first victory! I’m also very happy with Kimi Räikkönen’s progress. He’s slotted into the team very well and he’s had two good races in Jordan and Turkey. That’ll help give him confidence for the second part of the season.”

Yesterday, the FIA published the 2011 World Championship calendar. What do you think of it?
“It's a coherent and interesting that includes car markets that are important for Citroën. We’re happy to see the return of historic rallies like Greece and Argentina and the fact that the French round has been kept. We’ve also noted the fact that the FIA reserves itself the right to add a fourteenth round to the calendar, and it would be a nice surprise if it were to happen.”

New Zealand gravel rush excites Ford's Finnish drivers

Posted: May 2, 2010 6:27 PM

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team will tackle the longest round of the FIA World Rally Championship for almost six years when it makes the arduous journey from Britain to New Zealand next week. Organisers of Rally New Zealand (6 - 9 May) have fully embraced new-for-2010 rules to increase the competitive distance in the North Island to just under 400km, the most since Rally Deutschland in August 2004.

Not that Ford drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen and team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila will complain as the flowing, cambered gravel roads are regarded among the best in the world. Despite spending more than 24 hours in the air en route to the rally base in Auckland, the Finnish quartet eagerly awaits the opportunity to tackle New Zealand's speed tests in their Ford Focus RS World Rally Cars on the rally's return to the WRC after a year's absence.

The event returns to Auckland after being based further south in Hamilton since 2006. The move allows the route to venture north onto roads in the Whangarei and Kaipara districts that have not been used since 2005. Short remote service zones away from the city are a feature on each of the three legs and mixed surface special stages are also prevalent as organisers give the rally format a shake-up.

The roads in the Land of the Long White Cloud are as smooth as a billiard table and wind through lush, green countryside, inviting drivers to attack. The scenery is as stunning as the roads, and the picture postcard views over the Tasman Sea from the classic Whaanga Coast stage on the final day are among the best in the championship.

Hirvonen, who climbed to second in the drivers' standings after his podium finish in Turkey earlier this month, has a strong record in New Zealand with a second and two thirds from his last three starts. The 29-year-old is a confirmed fan of New Zealand's stages.

"I'm excited to be going back there again," he enthused. "It's a great country and we always receive a warm welcome in Auckland. Then, when I get out on the stages, I remember just why it's alongside Finland as my favourite rallies in the championship. It's fast, it's smooth and it's fun. And there's a bigger emphasis on endurance, with more competitive kilometres and limited time during the day for service. It's good to have a longer rally.

"Every rally has something unique and here it's the cambered roads. They encourage a driver to attack, but they can also catch you out. When the car crosses the camber it often jumps. If you are on the wrong side of the camber when you brake for a corner, you can find yourself in trouble because the car will just slide.

"It's autumn in New Zealand and the weather can be cool and wet. That won't be easy with hard compound tyres because it will be difficult to get heat into them, but it will be the same for everyone. They will bite into the gravel, but trying to find good grip on the asphalt, especially when it's at the start of the stage, won't be so easy," added Hirvonen.

Latvala, who is fourth in the drivers' standings, has started Rally New Zealand four times, with a best finish of fifth in 2007. However, the 25-year-old will make new pace notes for the entire rally.

"I've only driven the roads north of Auckland once before, and that was in 2005 in a Group N car," he said. "I remember them to be faster than the stages south of the city. Notes for a World Rally Car need to be very different from those for a Group N car. My style of notes has also changed since the rally was last in the championship two years ago, so I will make fresh notes for the whole rally.

"The character of the stages reminds me of my home event in Finland, but without the jumps. The car feels as if it is dancing in the road through the flowing corners. The roads are normally used by the public so the surface is hard and smooth and they are in good condition, so they are kind to the cars. Despite the long flight, I'm happy to go back to Auckland. It's a great city, the stages are fantastic to drive and it's the opportunity to put my crash in Turkey on the last round out of my mind," he added.

Team News
* Tyre partner Pirelli will provide BP Ford Abu Dhabi with one regulation tyre pattern. The Scorpion gravel tyre will be available in hard compound only. Teams are not allowed to hand-carve additional cuts into the rubber and each car can carry two spare wheels.

* Three other Focus RS WRCs are entered. Henning Solberg / Ilka Minor and Matthew Wilson / Scott Martin are nominated by the Stobart M-Sport Ford team in Focus RS WRCs, while Federico Villagra / Jorge Perez Companc will drive for the Munchi's Ford squad in a similar car. The rally is the fourth round of the S-WRC support championship and four Ford Fiesta S2000 cars are entered.

* Despite the delays encountered by team members and cars returning to England following the Rally of Turkey due to the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, the team's air freight left for New Zealand on schedule on Wednesday. It is due to arrive in Auckland over the weekend.

Rally Route
The move back to Auckland brings a new service park at Queens Wharf in the heart of the city, although mid-leg remote service zones will be used each day in Whangarei, at Hampton Downs motor racing circuit on the edge of the city, and in Raglan. The opening leg journeys north to the Whangarei and Kaipara districts before ending with a short test at the Auckland Domain, home of the city's War Memorial Museum. The second leg heads south-west to the Franklin and northern Waikato area on roads used in 2008. All the day's country stages are mixed surface and the leg also includes two asphalt tests at Hampton Downs. The final leg is unchanged from 2008, and journeys further south to stages on the Tasman Sea coastline, including two passes through the classic Whaanga Coast. Drivers face 21 stages covering 396.50km in a route of 1496.51km.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: April 29, 2010 11:31 AM

Seeded Entry List available in the Spectators Page of the Event Website:

www.rallynz.org.nz

Gilmour and Mason win Rally New Zealand wildcards

Posted: April 2, 2010 10:52 AM

Two of New Zealand’s best rally drivers, Emma Gilmour and Richard Mason, have been selected by Rally New Zealand to receive special wildcard entries for the FIA Production World Rally Championship class of Rally New Zealand taking place from 6 to 9 May this year.

The ‘wildcard’ or guest entry for this global production car category of rallying offers both Gilmour and Mason to prove their skills on the world stage.

“We’re delighted to have Emma Gilmour and Richard Mason represent New Zealand in the hotly-contested Production World Rally Championship category,” says Chris Carr, chairman of Rally New Zealand.

“Both drivers are highly talented and professional, and we’re sure they will make the most of the opportunity to showcase their abilities by being seeded among and running directly against the current PWRC competitors.”

Mason, from Masterton, will unveil his new Subaru Group N, or production class, car after Easter. In the meantime, he’s delighted to have his second opportunity as a Rally New Zealand wildcard entry in the PWRC field.

“We’ve be awarded the wildcard entry once before and have entered PWRC directly twice before,” says Mason, whose wife Sara is his co-driver. “It’s always a huge opportunity for Sara and I to run directly against the PWRC competitors. Even though, as a New Zealand Rally Championship competitor in Rally New Zealand, we use the same sort of Group N car as the PWRC competitors, you don’t get the same recognition in the wider rallying world as you would being one of the PWRC entrants.”

In his previous runs in the PWRC field, Mason finished third twice and second once in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re definitely aiming to go one better this year – top of the PWRC podium.

“This gives a great lift to our plans to win the New Zealand Rally Championship title again this year. And with the new car we’re about to unveil, we have the best opportunity we’ve ever had to do well in the PWRC field in 2010.”

As a PWRC guest entrant, Mason would normally carry number 49 but in honour of Rally New Zealand’s 40th anniversary in 2010, the former New Zealand rally champion will carry number 40 on his Subaru rally car.

“Normally number 40 is allocated to a Pirelli Star driver, Ott Tanak, but he’s not coming to New Zealand, so the FIA has allowed the number to be assigned to Richard Mason,” explains Carr.

Gilmour is currently ranked as the world’s top woman rally driver courtesy of her second place in the 2009 Asia Pacific Rally Championship. However Gilmour herself isn’t concerned with rankings by gender – she’s simply excited to be chosen by Rally New Zealand as one of the PWRC guest entries in 2010.

“It’s the second time I’ve had this opportunity and it’s fantastic to have another chance to represent New Zealand in the PWRC class,” says Gilmour, who is originally from Dunedin and now lives in Hamilton with her partner and co-driver Glenn Macneall.

“To be on an even playing field with global competitors, all driving Group N production cars, that’s the opportunity I want to make the most of. It all helps my profile globally.”

Like Mason, Gilmour is about to unveil her new Subaru rally car.

The guest entries see Mason and Gilmour registered to earn points in the 2010 FIA Production World Rally Championship, as well as the New Zealand Rally Championship, during Rally New Zealand. The wildcard entry is worth around $NZ 7,000 (3,650 Euro) to the each competitor whose team is also allocated a space in the service park, lights and power – a package worth $NZ 1,000.

This year Rally New Zealand is based in Auckland with several key elements located within the city’s boundaries, such as the spectacular start ceremony at Viaduct Harbour, the service park on Queens Wharf and the rally headquarters at SKYCITY Auckland. The rally route takes competitors both north and south of the city – Friday’s route runs through the Whangarei and Kaipara districts, while Saturday and Sunday’s stages are in the Franklin, North Waikato and Raglan districts.

• Rally New Zealand

Govt funds may help Rally New Zealand stay on WRC calendar

Posted: April 2, 2010 10:50 AM

A contribution from the New Zealand Government’s Major Events Development Fund will play an important role in helping Rally New Zealand secure their position on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar for 2011 and beyond.

The funding - $250,000 – will go towards certain operational and promotional elements of the 40th running of Rally New Zealand in May this year.

Chris Carr, chairman of Rally New Zealand, says: “We are grateful to Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee and others for their consideration of the situation where New Zealand’s longest-running world championship event was at risk.

“With today’s [19 March] announcement, we extend our thanks to Mr Brownlee and Major Events Development Fund officials for their confirmation of the funding. We will apply these funds to making the 2010 event even stronger and more attractive to the world-wide audience of more than 50 million television viewers expected to watch Rally New Zealand when it takes place in Auckland from 6 to 9 May this year.”

Carr says that while the funding will assist the organisation develop and enhance its case to stay on the FIA WRC calendar, there is still no guarantee that WRC promoters North One Sport will confirm Rally New Zealand as a round of the global series in 2011 or in future years.

“The funding will definitely help, but ultimately the decision is up to the WRC’s commercial promoters North One Sport and the FIA.

“The best thing New Zealanders can do to help us secure Rally New Zealand as a round of the World Rally Championship in the future is get out and watch the event this year. Come along, be a spectator at one of the many free and paid spectator vantage points, and show the WRC promoters that we’re passionate about this iconic event!”

This year, Rally New Zealand is based in Auckland with several key elements located within the city’s boundaries, such as the spectacular start ceremony at Viaduct Harbour, the service park on Queens Wharf and the rally headquarters at SKYCITY Auckland. The rally route takes competitors both north and south of the city – Friday’s route runs through the Whangarei and Kaipara districts, while Saturday and Sunday’s stages are in the Franklin, North Waikato and Raglan districts. Remote service parks used on each of the three days offer fans further opportunities to see their favourite WRC stars such as Sebastién Loeb, Mikko Hirvonen and Petter Solberg. These remote service parks are located in central Whangarei, the Hampton Downs motorsport complex and the Raglan airfield. Hampton Downs also hosts an exciting Superstage CARnival on Saturday 8 May when the competitors make two runs of the new tarmac racing circuit and a range of other fantastic motorsport action such as the Red Bull drifting and freestyle motocross teams, car races and fan competitions.

• Rally New Zealand

Special spectator train for day one of Rally New Zealand

Posted: April 2, 2010 10:43 AM

Rally fans can enjoy a unique day of rally viewing onboard a specially chartered train on Friday 7 May for the first day of Rally New Zealand, which is the fifth round of the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship running from 6 to 9 May.

The ‘Rally Rail Spectator Special’ is run by the Railway Enthusiasts Society and offers fans the chance to see rally stars in action on four competitive stages north of Auckland on the day-long trip.

Paul Mallard, general manager of Rally New Zealand, is delighted to have the rally train as another great option for spectators in 2010.

“The train was hugely popular in the few years it ran when Rally New Zealand used stages north of Auckland prior to 2006, the event’s first year based in Hamilton,” says Mallard.

“Now the event is again based in Auckland, the train tour is again possible for the Friday of Rally New Zealand and we’re very pleased that Alan Verry and the Railway Enthusiasts Society have put together a rally rail tour for 2010.

“It’s an early start and a long day, but from all the feedback we’ve had, it’s an enormously fun day. The sites selected for viewing are excellent and include Hella Bridge, one of the best places to see competitors cross the humped bridge at high speed – take your camera!

“The train provides a great alternative for groups of family and friends to enjoy some great WRC rally action without the need to drive and park.”

The special Rally New Zealand charter train, with eight carriages, departs from the new Newmarket Station at 5.30am. Making pick-up stops at Kingsland, New Lynn, Henderson, Waitakere, and Huapai, the train heads north with a breakfast stop at Helensville. It continues through the scenic north Auckland countryside to arrive at Mareretu in time for Special Stage 2 ‘Brooks 1’ at about 9:30am. The train then moves to Special Stage 4 ‘Cassidy 1’ for approximately 11am, before returning to view Special Stage 6 ’Brooks 2’ around 2pm. Special Stage 8 ‘Cassidy 2’ is viewed from a different location before the train returns to Auckland arriving approximately 9.00pm. In total, four stages, three different locations and great action to boot.

Travellers can opt for a fully-catered package, or to purchase food and drink from the train’s buffet car or bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

The premium fare is $250 and includes a $20 Rally New Zealand day pass, breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner as well as tea, coffee, and fruit juice. The standard fare is $170 per person, including the day pass, and passengers can purchase a wide range of food and beverages, both hot and cold, from the buffet car and order breakfast, lunch and dinner if required. Passengers may bring their own food as they wish. Organisers note that the trip is a lengthy one and does not pass through any towns or near any shops all day. A cash bar will provide a range of beer and wine, and only alcohol purchased on the train may be consumed on the train.

Mallard adds: “We urge people to book as soon as possible to allow the train tour organisers plenty of time to co-ordinate the distribution of tickets, plan catering numbers, etc. The latest date bookings will be accepted is 21 April.”

Full details and the booking form, which is posted to the Rail Enthusiasts Society, are available to download from the spectators’ page of Rally New Zealand’s website.

This year Rally New Zealand features a number of pre-event activities in the first week of May, such as driver signing sessions, driver skill demonstrations and other events taking place at the rally’s home-base, SKYCITY Auckland. The WRC event officially commences with the ceremonial start on Thursday 6 May at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour before competitors head north through the Whangarei and Kaipara districts on Friday. Saturday and Sunday’s stages are in the Franklin, North Waikato and Raglan districts with a spectacular day of action at Hampton Downs on Saturday and the jubilations and celebrations of the finish ceremony in downtown Auckland on Sunday from 3pm.

• Rally New Zealand

Rally Guide 1 / Regulations

Posted: February 26, 2010 1:47 PM

• Rally New Zealand

Event Website / Details

Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM

• Rally New Zealand