Why is Rally New Zealand a special event?

A drifting car moving on the side of an almost fluorescent green hill with in the background other gently sloping reliefs of the same color with dozens of white dots of sheep. This is the image that the rally from New Zealand. There is also a version with the Tasman Sea and its patchwork of blue as a background when the event takes the legendary Whaanga Coast special stage. In addition to the Lords of the Rings style settings in which it takes place, this meeting has always been acclaimed for the quality of its times. Some pilots even called them “ best in the championship ».

On these natural roads which are not at all rough, the driving can be fully expressed. It turns into a ballet with the cars “dancing” as they slide from one corner to another. This is the reward for an endless journey with a minimum of 20 hours of flight depending on the stopovers chosen. This is perhaps the black point of the New Zealand. Its geographical position makes it difficult and expensive to travel. This is all the more true as at the same time it is not the most resounding event on the calendar if only because of its participation (28 entered this year!).

The 12-hour time difference makes this rally complicated to follow and mediate at times when all of Europe is asleep. Also on site, despite the efforts of the organizers, it is not a major demonstration. The installation in the center of Auckland this year will perhaps create the enthusiasm that has sometimes been lacking. New Zealand benefits from an “exotic” side which provides added value to the championship which appears even more “ global » including this date. The promoter can highlight his success in returning to a region whose name tickles the imagination.

It is also the assurance of having superb images evolving in exceptional nature. However, this will not always be enough of a justification for a very expensive trip to a country where the 5 million inhabitants do not offer the craziest market on the planet. In terms of benefits, New Zealand should not represent much for the manufacturers involved, but the broadcaster will not succeed in sending the discipline to more economically interesting places (USA, China, India, Middle East, Australia…) this remains a trip that is out of the ordinary.

This round also has the advantage of having good experience in WRC and to offer a high level of organization which is still lacking for the aspirants hoped for in the calendar. While waiting for new, more attractive countries to appear, we must enjoy the pleasure of returning to New Zealand and its “ best stages in the world ».

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