Rally New Zealand has been presented with the highest possible accolade by the most successful driver in the history of the sport.
Six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb has described it as “the rally with the most beautiful roads in the championship,” as he bids for his third victory on the all-gravel event out of six participations.
Loeb won in New Zealand the last time that the rally was held as a round of the World Championship, in 2008, ahead of his team mate Dani Sordo, after the two factory Fords hit trouble on the closing loop of stages.
“New Zealand similar to Sweden or Finland as it’s very exciting,” said the Citroen driver. “It’s the only chance we get to drive on cambered roads and you really feel the pleasure of driving. I think that it’s the rally with the most beautiful roads of the championship.”
However, while Loeb loves the roads of New Zealand he has promised a reasonably careful approach when the rally begins on Friday morning. “I’m still being a bit cautious as my rivals are normally very strong on this type of surface,” he said. “But I’m really looking forward to taking part: the stages are magnificent and fairly easy on the car.”
Nonetheless, having scored 93 out of a possible 100 points on offer so far this season, Loeb has got off to an impeccable start, earning the praise of his Citroen boss Olivier Quesnel.