WRC Drivers test Auckland Domain

Rally New Zealand

Media statement

7 May 2010

WRC Drivers test Auckland Domain

Drivers in this year’s 2010 Rally New Zealand got to test-run the Auckland Domain special stage during a shakedown run on Thursday 6 May in preparation for this weekend’s fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

Shakedown is the competitors’ official test session and saw all drivers utilise the 1.5 kilometre loop on the Domain’s tarmac road, which started outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This was the first time the drivers contesting this 13-round series got to run their cars at speed during their one and only visit to the Southern Hemisphere this year.

“The same format of Domain roads is also being used for Friday night’s super special stage where fans can expect to see full octane action and dazzling lights complemented by the exciting sounds of rally cars at full speed in the central Auckland site for the first time since 1990,” says Paul Mallard, general manager of Rally New Zealand.

Six-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb, driving his Citroen C4 WRC, set fastest time initially, but was ousted from the top-spot by BP Ford driver Jari-Matti Latvala in the Ford Focus RS WRC. Latvala’s best time was 1.07.03 for the 1.5km stage, with Loeb’s 1.07.5.

“I was determined to set the fastest time because, in the past on this surface, I've lost out to the pace of the Citroens,” said the 25-year-old Finn.

While the World Rally Cars made a clean run through the course, two cars, including New Zealand competitor Glenn Inkster, clipped the stone kerbing. Both damaged a rear wheel but the slower times will not affect their overall ranking as the first competitive test started at 9:03am Friday at Waipu Gorge near Maungaturoto.

Competitors return to the Auckland Domain on late on Friday evening with Loeb, as top seed, due to start first at 6:45pm after spending the day rallying roads around Whangarei and Kaipara.

Mallard reminds rally fans that the one of the best options for accessing the Domain stage will be via the free buses operating from the Queens Wharf service park.

“All roads within the Domain will be closed and parking extremely limited. Many parking options are within close walking distance of the Queens Wharf service park, then the free buses will depart from outside the Ferry Terminal building from 4:30pm until 6pm and returning from 7pm until 9pm,” says Mallard.

Spectators can park for only $5 at Auckland City Council’s Downtown car park building by collecting a discount voucher on the free bus and presenting this to the cashier to redeem the discount.

“When walking, it is suggested to enter the Domain from Park Road or Football Road, or from the Newmarket side from Domain Drive to access the designated spectator areas. We also ask all spectators to listen to the marshals who are responsible for the safety of all involved with the rally.”

More information on www.rallynz.org.nz.

ENDS/

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