New Zealand is pushing to return to the WRC

The debriefing ofCARhebdo n°2210, still available in digital version, lamented about the too long absence of Rally of New Zealand within the World Rally Championship calendar (WRC) since 2013. This period could end as early as 2020; At least this is the ambition of the organizers of the event as well as the local authorities. 

In an interview with the national news media Stuff.co.nz, Rally New Zealand President Peter Johnston has detailed his battle plan to re-enter the World Cup in 2020. “We have strong support from Ateed (Auckland's tourism, events and economic development agency, a branch of the Regional Council). We are looking for a title sponsor, he reveals. 

Peter Johnston plans to take advantage of the difficulties encountered by the organizers of the Rally Australia to steal the location reserved for the oceanic round of the WRC. The Australian committee must face a request from the championship promoter relating to a change of location. The Coffs Harbor stages, located in the southwest of the country, lack character; the drivers remember the unspectacular 2018 final.

It is therefore a rivalry between neighbors that we could witness, between Australia and New Zealand. “The WRC promoters do not want to return to Coffs Harbour, so they are evaluating the possibility of a round in New Zealand,” continues Peter Johnston, who is playing his card to the fullest, even if it means destabilizing his “Aussie” opponent. We are very active at the moment. 

Everything is ready, assures Peter Johnston, we have the roads (the “gravel roads” by the beach. Editor’s note), we have refined everything, the support of the New Zealanders is there, but we are still chasing the title sponsor”, and the necessary financial extension that goes with it.