Usually I wait to do a wrap up for the WRC event just before the coverage is shown on Discovery HD Theater, but it looks like the U.S. will not be getting any coverage of Rally New Zealand on television. Coverage for Rally New Zealand does not appear on this month’s Discovery HD Theater schedule and an inquiry for an air date resulted in a reply stating that Rally de Portugal would air in the middle of June. So it looks like Discovery HD Theater will not be airing Rally New Zealand at all. So, I might as well write my wrap up now..
Jari-Matti Latvala edged out Sebastien Ogier for victory at WRC Rally New Zealand
Jari-Matti Latvala was able to edge out Sebastien Ogier by just 2.4 seconds to take his first rally victory of the 2010 season at Rally New Zealand. Latvala described his victory as “unbelievable” with the 2.4 second difference the 3rd closest ever in a WRC event. Latvala was able to secure his win on the final stage after Ogier spun his Citroen C4 with just 3 corners left.
On-board with Sebastien Ogier as he spins with just 3 corners to go on the final stage, knocking him out of the lead.
Ogier was not the only Citroen C4 driver to experience bad luck on the final stage. Petter Solberg entered the final stage in 3rd place, but crashed into the electricity pylon on the final stage and was forced to retire from the event. Petter dropped from 2nd to 5th in the points standings after his costly mistake. Latvala’s victory propelled him into 2nd followed by team-mate Hirvonen and then Ogier.
Ride on-board with Petter Solberg as he crashes on the final stage of Rally New Zealand.
WRC points leader, Sebastien Loeb made a dramatic recovery after finishing Day 1 in 7th place, to finish 3rd overall. Loeb actually had gained the lead after the first stage on the final day only to crash into a bridge on the very next stage costing him nearly 50 seconds. Hirvonen finished 4th behind Loeb after a mistake on Day 2 cost him a chance at the rally win.
Latvala’s victory gave Ford the most wins in WRC history. The win moved Ford past Lancia for most wins all time.
Ken Block and his Monster Energy Ford Focus RS set out Rally New Zealand and looks to make his return to WRC for the Vodafone Rally de Portugal next month.
(Photo courtesy http://www.rallynz.org.nz/).
