‘Top 10′ drivers confirmed for Rally Australia

Ten of the world’s best rally drivers have been confirmed as entrants for Repco Rally Australia in the New South Wales Northern Rivers on 3-6 September.

Led by Mikko Hirvonen (Ford) from Finland and Sebastien Loeb (Citroen, pictured) from France, the 10 represent the pinnacle of international rally driving talent.

The complete entry list for Repco Rally Australia, including teams and drivers from countries as far apart as Norway and Argentina, plus a selection of top Australians, is expected to be announced on 17 August.

The 10 manufacturer-backed drivers promise that spectators along the 344 kilometres of competitive Special Stages in the Tweed and Kyogle shires will be treated to displays of gravel-road skill not seen before in eastern Australia, which is hosting its first WRC event.

“It’s fantastic news for ticket buyers that Repco Rally Australia has attracted drivers like Sebastien Loeb, who has won five straight world championships, plus Mikko Hirvonen, Dani Sordi, Jari-Matti Latvala, Henning Solberg and the others,” Rally Australia chairman Alan Evans said.

“Their reactions, their judgment, their finesse and their bravery are at levels most drivers cannot comprehend. The WRC is an epic motorsport adventure bringing you the world’s greatest drivers and they are coming here for the first time.

“Millions of rally fans around the world will be following them on television and the internet but Australians have the chance to see them first-hand and close-up.

“Anyone who enjoys a great contest between sportsmen who are the best at their game can’t afford to miss it.”

WRC Manufacturer entries for Repco Rally Australia:

Entrant | Driver/Co-driver | Car

Citroen Total World Rally Team, Sebastien Loeb (France)/Daniel Elena (Monaco), Citroen C4
Citroen Total World Rally Team, Dani Sordo (Spain)/Marc Marti (Spain), Citroen C4
BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Mikko Hirvonen (Finland)/Jarmo Lehtinen (Finland), Ford Focus RS
BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Jari-Matti Latvala (Finland)/Mikka Anttila (Finland), Ford Focus RS
BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Khalid Al Qassimi (United Arab Emirates))/Michael Orr (Great Britain), Ford Focus RS
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team, Matthew Wilson (Great Britain)/Scott Martin (Great Britain), Ford Focus RS
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team, Henning Solberg (Norway)/Cato Menkenrud (Norway), Ford Focus RS
Citroen Junior Team, Conrad Rautenbach (Zimbabwe)/Daniel Barritt (Great Britain), Citroen C4
Citroen Junior Team, Sebastien Ogier (France)/Julien Ingrassia (France), Citroen C4
Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team, Federico Villagra (Argentina)/Jorge Perez Companc (Argentina), Ford Focus RS.

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