A New Zealand rally has not been held within the framework of the WRC since 2012. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the iconic Kiwi event returns with the chance to see Gale Rowanbere crowned champion.
A decade after his last appearance in the WRC, AndRally New Zealand returns to the World Championship. It does so at a pivotal moment, as the maritime nation’s iconic banking units could see a resolution of the title. Calle Rowanbere comes up with mathematical options to become the championOtt Tänak and Thierry Neuville will do their best to avoid it.
New Zealand paints a unique picture The biggest names in WRC history have left their mark on it. Markus Kronholm won the rally five times, to Carlos Sainz’s four wins. Among the active drivers, Sébastien Loeb is the most successful driver with three wins, although the Frenchman will not be at the New Zealand stages.
Calle Rowanbere needs to extend his lead over Ott Tannock and Thierry Neuville to become champions.
The 45th edition of Rally New Zealand did not leave out the high-speed stages with its banked curves. The test consists of 17 specials and 278.80 kilometers against the clock. After the traditional shakedown and opening ceremony, a local Thursday afternoon super special is held in one of the central parks. Auckland, the city that serves as the rally’s hub.
Friday’s stage is more demanding and more than half the race distance, in addition to all without help. During the 15-hour day, drivers will compete in six stages and cover 158.56 competitive kilometers. Saturday’s session will be further north, featuring six stages and a total distance of 88.28 kilometers. The final day features four sections and 31.18 kilometers against the clock.
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Keys and Favorites
Weather can be very tricky during the rallyAs the forecasts indicate the rain It can be a travel companion at every stage. The temperature will be cold and the wind will be very irritating. Drivers must choose A set of 28 Pirelli tires From a set of 24 KX WRC SA tires (soft) and 8 KW WRC HA tires (hard).
All eyes were on Kalle Rowanbera before the rally began, the Finnish driver has a new chance to become WRC champion. The Toyota driver needs eight more points than Ot Tanak to extend his lead over the Estonian beyond 60 points. If he achieves the same goal against Thierry Neuville, the title will be his.
Other proper names
Rovanperä will be joined by Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier, the Frenchman will compete with the third Toyota for the rest of the season. From the ‘B’ team, Japanese Takamoto Katsuda acts as a partner. For its part, Hyundai appears with the above Ot Thanak and Thierry Neuville Try to extend his good time. Oliver Solberg closes the lineup.
M-Sport have a reduced line-up in New Zealand due to the absence of Adrian Formax. The team competes with Craig Breen and Gus Greensmith, joining Lorenzo Bertelli in his debut in the WRC’s premier class since hybrid vehicles were used. For its part, WRC2 has the right names Hayden Baden, Kajedan Kajedanovic, Shane van Gisbergen and Harry Bates.
45th Rally of New Zealand standings and tables
Wednesday, September 28 to Thursday, September 29, 2022
From Thursday 29 to Friday 30 September 2022
From Friday 30 September to Saturday 1 October 2022
Sunday, October 02, 2022
* The entire rally can be followed through the ‘All WRC+ Live’ payment platform.
Photos: Hyundai Motorsport / M-Sport
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