Shane van Gisbergen confirmed for WRC Rally New Zealand
Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images
Shane van Gisbergen has always wanted to test himself in several motorsport categories.
Supercars championship leader Shane van Gisbergen has confirmed he will start Rally New Zealand September 29-October 2 around Auckland.
The 33-year-old, a two-time Supercars champion and 2020 Bathurst winner, has successfully dabbled in a range of motorsports, including winning the 2020 Battle of Jack’s Ridge rally sprint and finishing in the top five first in its class on its first attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend.
As first revealed by Stuff in April, Van Gisbergen was looking to enter the WRC event later this year, which will feature the world’s best rally drivers including Hayden Paddon.
The highlight of the rally will be the return to Jack’s Ridge, which will be one of the most exciting stages that Ott Tänak, Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanpara will have to traverse all year.
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Van Gisbergen is expected to drive a Race Torque Škoda Fabia R5, with former Australian champion Glen Weston as co-driver.
Geoff Rider
Shane van Gisbergen won the first Battle of Jacks Ridge.
It is understood they will take part in the Hawke’s Bay Rally on July 23 to prepare for Rally New Zealand.
“I went around it for a long time and went to all the rallies when I was young watching Rally New Zealand,” said Van Gisbergen.
“It was always a dream to do it but I never really had the chance.
“My favorite memories were when I was young. Before the Manukau Super Stage was built, they had it on the road in Totara Park, which was not far from where I grew up.
“It was in the early 90s and it was night time. I remember being on dad’s shoulders watching the cars go by.
Van Gisbergen won’t go to Rally New Zealand with high expectations, but as the 33-year-old has proven many times over his career, he’s capable of being fast in all areas.
“For me just to be in the event is going to be epic, to see the stages packed with fans and to have the service park on the Auckland waterfront, it’s going to be an awesome event,” he said. he stated on the WRC website.
“I can’t wait to be a part of it. I just want to do a good job and stay straight, be there at the end and be part of this amazing event.