WRC point for driver/boss Stohl

Manfred Stohl achieved a rare feat on Brother Rally New Zealand last week when he scored an FIA World Rally Championship point driving a car run by his own team.

Stohl was back in the WRC for the first time since Wales Rally GB in December 2007, filling the Brazil World Rally Team entry normally occupied by Daniel Oliveira and run by his Stohl Racing concern in Austria.

Reunited with his former co-driver Ilka Minor for the Auckland-based round, Stohl finished 10th overall in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

“I’m really happy for having entered this rally,” said the 40-year-old ex-WRC regular and podium finisher. “New Zealand has always suited me best and I had great memories of this rally. I enjoyed myself rallying through these spectacular stages and living the WRC atmosphere once again. It was a pleasure for me to be back.”

While Stohl hinted at wanting to tackle more world championship rallies in the future, he admitted he had no firm plans in place. “We have many plans but in reality it is only this one although I hope to have another try in the future,” said Stohl.

Oliveira, meanwhile, is due to return to the BWRT line-up on ADAC Rallye Deutschland in August.