Another run for Ogier and Ingrassia

An unexpected bonus in the form of Rally New Zealand

By Franck Drui

30 April 2010 - 13:20
Another run for Ogier and Ingrassia

This year’s World Rally Championship programme for Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia was originally scheduled for 12 events, but now it has been extended to take in New Zealand as well. The French crew is driving a C4 WRC run by the Citroen Junior Team, and just like last year they now benefit from a full FIA World Rally Championship season in 2010.

The route for the 40th Rally New Zealand incorporates many elements of the itinerary that was run between 2005 and 2008. The first day will take competitors north towards Whangarei on roads that haven’t been used on the event for five years. On Saturday the competitors will head south towards Hamilton, where the Rally New Zealand was formerly based. Finally, the last day will be concentrated on the west coast around Raglan – including two passes over the famous Whaanga Coast test (SS19 and SS21), which all the drivers love.

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were meant to have taken part in just 12 rallies this year, but now they have an unexpected bonus in the form of Rally New Zealand. The decision was taken on the Rally Mexico, following a stunning performance from the 2008 Junior World Rally Champion. The budget to make the trip to New Zealand, where Ogier and Ingrassia will be competing on completely new territory for them, was topped up with the help of Citroen Racing’s partners.

“I’m expecting it to be a more difficult rally for us than Turkey, as we are discovering an event that the other drivers already know well,” said Sebastien. “But I really can’t wait to get started, as the stages in New Zealand are some of the best in the world.” After setting 12 fastest stage times so far this season, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are among the best performers of 2010. Only Sébastien Loeb and Petter Solberg are in front of them.

In New Zealand, the firm objective for Sébastien and Julien will be to gain experience on a completely new event for them. New Zealand also marks the occasion of their 25th World Rally Championship start, in their 19th different country! “I think it’s a rally that I’m going to like,” Sébastien added. “It will be a really nice opportunity for me to drive the Citroen C4 WRC on fast and flowing stages.”

The 40th Rally New Zealand will start on May 6 from Auckland: the country’s largest city, which is home to about a third of the population. With a total of 396.5 competitive kilometres, this will be the longest round of the World Rally Championship since the 2003 Rallye de France-Tour de Corse.

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