Rally New Zealand set for Auckland return in 2010

The next three editions of the World Rally Championship round in New Zealand will be run from a new home in the heart of the country's biggest city, Auckland.

Organisers have today confirmed plans to relocate the rally to a new base in time for the 2010 event, scheduled to run between 6 and 9 May.

For the last three years the rally was based in the city of Hamilton, 200km south of Auckland, with its headquarters and Service Park at the Mystery Creek Events Centre. Prior to 2006 the event - the longest running world championship event in New Zealand - was based in Auckland for 28 years.

“We’re delighted to bring Rally New Zealand back to Auckland with the largest population base in the country,” said Chris Carr, chairman of the rally organisation. “We extend our sincere thanks to Hamilton City Council, Mystery Creek Events Centre and the many organisations which have helped Rally New Zealand be a fantastic event in the Waikato over the past three years.

“However, many positive opportunities become available with the shift back to Auckland, not least the much closer access for larger numbers of rally fans to all the rally action, teams, drivers and cars, which we are optimistic will contribute to a very vibrant and successful running of Rally New Zealand in May 2010.

“Rally New Zealand is one of the WRC drivers’ most popular rallies. They absolutely love driving on New Zealand roads - just as we have a great heritage of getting out and enjoying the top level skills of these drivers among our beautiful scenery,” added Carr.

Rally New Zealand’s clerk of the course, Willard Martin says a central city location is being confirmed for the event’s headquarters, while the service park will be located on the re-developed Queens Wharf, a short walk from the downtown area. “With the move back to Auckland, we have the opportunity to take the rally route both north and south of our largest city, offering excellent spectator viewing,” said Martin.

Auckland Mayor John Banks was delighted to have secured another major event for his city. “Not only will Rally New Zealand provide an economic boost and increase the profile of Auckland through the associated broadcast opportunities, it allows Aucklanders to get up close to the excitement,” he said.

The new agreement between Rally New Zealand and Auckland City Council covers the next three editions of the event which, according to the FIA's alternating WRC calendar, will be included in the WRC series every two years. Organisers, however, are hoping another new deal will secure the event on an annual basis.

“With the way the WRC calendar is currently scheduled, after 2010, the next Rally New Zealand will be in Auckland in 2012. However we are working hard to put New Zealand back onto the WRC calendar on an annual basis. We note that Rally Finland has just signed a five year deal with the WRC promoters, ISC, to again run an annual event," explained Carr.