Greensmith hyped for bucket list fixture

A 10-year absence from the WRC calendar means M-Sport Ford World Rally Team star Greensmith has been forced to watch and re-watch videos of the glorious roads north and south of Auckland. But now he gets to drive them.

“I’ve been to New Zealand on holiday, but never competed here,” said Greensmith. “It’s an amazing place and somewhere I’ve always wanted to drive. It’s the one rally I’ve always wanted to compete on since starting my career. For me, it’s a bucket list event.

“I got down there early to make sure I could get rid of the jet lag. I’m really looking forward to it and to seeing what we can do on the event.”

Greensmith’s team principal Richard Millener is almost as excited as Greensmith.

“All anybody can talk about right now,” said Millener, “is how much they’re looking forward to getting on this iconic event and these amazing roads.

"There’s no doubt the drivers are in for a real treat and I’m confident we’ll be able to challenge for a podium given the pace we’ve shown on fast gravel already this season.”

The rally starts on Thursday evening (local) with the Pukekawa Auckland Domain super special test and comprises 17 stages totalling 276.44km.