Kris Meeke entered on the International Rally of Whangarei

Not renewed by the Toyota Gazoo Racing for 2020 in the World Rally Championship WRC, Kris Meeke did not despair of finding a seat again for a few events, world or not.

The Briton, who also worked for Mini and Citroën Racing, will be at the start of the International Rally of Whangarei in May in New Zealand, a round counting for the national championship.

Assisted by Seb Marshall, his usual co-driver, Meeke will drive a Mazda 2 AP4 prepared by the Force Motorsport structure. This will be Meeke's first start on New Zealand soil, having never taken part in the Rally from New Zealand, who will make his return to the WRC at the end of the year.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, being behind the wheel of a rally car in New Zealand, underlines Meeke. I grew up with images of those famous New Zealand stages with Juha Kankkunen, Colin McRae and Richard Burns and I always wanted to take part in them.

So when I got an offer for the opportunity to drive on these roads, for me it was definitely a box that I wanted to check. »

Kris Meeke will notably find Hayden Paddon at the start, the Kiwi driver also being part of this event.