SWRC: Rally New Zealand: CFNT preview

Martin Prokop and Jan Tomanek will fight for victory in Rally New Zealand

Czech Ford National Team and its crew of Martin Prokop and Jan Tomanek can't wait for the start of Rally New Zealand. Driving Ford Fiesta S2000, they are going to fight for the victory in the fifth WRC round.

The New Zealand Rally has been part of rally folklore since the birth of the world championship in the late 70s, the drivers' love of the fast flowing cambered roads have ensured the survival of this long haul event. Renowned worldwide for its stunning scenery, the rolling hills of the North Island, and cityscape of Auckland are an incredible backdrop for the stars of the WRC to compete in. After a year's break, New Zealand is back on the calendar for its 40th anniversary and returns to its traditional home in Auckland after 3 years based further south in Hamilton. The move North allows the return to some classic stages not seen in the championship since 2005 and an Auckland superspecial last used 20 years ago. The event is taking advantage of new regulations to run a slightly longer route than normal, with almost 400 kilometres of racing against the clock over 21 stages on New Zealand's smooth gravel roads.

Martin Prokop and Jan Tomanek made their debut in Rally New Zealand in 2007 season, and it was a truly stunning rookie performance. Czech crew finished tenth overall and won the P-WRC rankings. This year Martin and Jan fight for the best possible results within the new S-WRC rankings. In Rally New Zealand they want to reach a good result. However, it won't be easy, because a competition within the S-WRC will be very strong. From among the top will miss only Eyvind Brynildsen and Michal Kosciuszko.

Martin Prokop, Czech Ford National Team's driver: "Rally New Zealand is a beautiful WRC round, and I can't wait for it since our Monday's test. During the test we completed about 60 or 80 kilometres on two different stages: one of them was quite technical, the second one was faster. Both stages copied Rally New Zealand's super stages with their character. It was a great experience to drive Ford Fiesta S2000 on these roads, and I can't wait for the start of the rally.

I've knew some of New Zealand's super stages, because I completed them in previous seasons, although some of them were driven in the opposite direction. But the first leg is completely new for me. However, the special stages are beautiful, and I hope we'll do our best. We'll try our best to repeat the triumph, we achieved in the 2007 P-WRC. But it won't be easy, because in the S-WRC is a great competition. Well, certainly it would be an interesting fight."

Rally New Zealand's SS 1 starts on Thursday May 6th at 11:03 pm CET. The rally finishes on Sunday May 9th around 2:00 am.

-source: cfnt