For all you rugby fans out there that are reading this article, turning down the hosting of a WRC event for the Rugby World Cup, especially since we're talking about New Zealand, is a no brainer from the get go. And that's exactly how the chairman of the Rally New Zealand board Chris Carr looked at it, as he confirmed Rally Australia's place in the calendar was supposed to be New Zealand's.
The initial date suggested by the North One Sport was somewhere in September (even October was discussed), but neither of those dates were accepted by New Zealand.
“The WRC calendar is heavily influenced by the logistics of moving all of the teams and equipment around the world, and a significant portion of the equipment is shipped by sea. The shipping schedules dictated an event in September or October 2011. We had no desire to conflict with the Rugby World Cup and had to decline those dates,” said Carr.
The rally organizers will therefore switch their entire focus to hosting a successful event this year, with Rally New Zealand being scheduled for May 7th through 9th and counting as the 5th round of the 2010 calendar. Based on the organization of this year's event, New Zealand would become a favorite for a 2012 date, which is exactly what Carr is aiming for 2 years from now.
“In the meantime, we celebrate the 40th running of Rally New Zealand in 2010 by making sure this year's event is run to the highest possible standard to ensure that we retain our place in 2012,” added Carr.
A possibility for Rally New Zealand to make it to the 2011 WRC calendar is still alive, as the North Island has been placed near Poland as reserve events for next year. Additionally, the FIA today announced that a potential 14th entry will be discussed and agreed upon by late June (the current 2011 calendar has only 13 events).
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