Repco Rally
Australia

After two years away from the WRC in 2007 and 2008, Rally Australia returns in 2009 with an all-new event.

Previously run from the city of Perth, the rally's new base is 4000km away on the east coast in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), with the majority of competition taking place in the Tweed and Kyogle Shires. Rally headquarters will be the Salt Resort complex in the town of Kingscliff, while the service park will be constructed on the beach nearby.

Gone are the red earth and ball-bearing like gravel roads of the old event. Instead, competitors will face a brand new an unfamiliar challenge. The route includes high speed hard packed gravel stages located in the Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby areas.

New for 2009

Like Rally Poland the reborn Rally Australia represents a huge step into the unknown for WRC crews. Slick organisation and a great atmosphere meant the previous rally in Perth was one of the most popular with competitors, teams and spectators, so expectations are high. The fact that so many of the Perth crew are working for the new organising committee should help.