The World Rally Championship returns to New Zealand after ten years of absence. The appointment of the antipodes, one of the most traditional in the contest, returns to the calendar and It could be the stage where Kalle Rovanpera is crowned this weekend. The Finn arrives 53 points clear of Ott Tanak, and needs to come out with 60 to secure the title on the other side of the world.
Its beautiful sections, very fast and with a spectacular layout with postcard landscapes in the background, will once again see the best drivers in the world skidding in search of victory. It is one of the tests where the starting order is most affected, because the abundant gravel is cleaned with the passing of the cars, although the rain forecast could change the scenario and favor those who go ahead.
Rovanpera will open the track in the first stage and arrives after suffering two accidents in the last two rounds of Ypres and Acropolis. After his brilliant start to the season, seems to have entered a pothole that will try to overcome in the antipodes. The Hyundai team is in high spirits after its three wins in the last three races held and the historic treble achieved in Greece, but with the atmosphere strained by criticism from Tanak due to the absence of team orders in the Hellenic race.
Once again a duel between the Korean brand and the Toyota drivers is expected, among which Sebastien Ogier is once again framed. If the starting order is decisive, the Frenchman, who starts very late in the first stage, could be the great beneficiary. The winner in Greece, Thierry Neuville, or the other Yaris from Elfyn Evans, are other possible favorites.
Dani Sordo absent for the occasion, Miguel Díaz Aboitiz will be the only Spanish pilot present in the antipodes. The appointment starts at dawn from Wednesday to Thursday with a super special, to give way to the three stages from Friday to Sunday.
Drivers’ World Cup
1. Kalle Rovanpera, 207 points
2. Ott Tanak, 154
3. Thierry Neuville, 131
4. Elfyn Evans, 116
5. Takamoto Katsuta, 100
