|
Subaru’s Solberg Wins Rally New Zealand
After an exciting, race-long battle that lasted until the final kilometre, Subaru’s Petter Solberg has claimed his first win of the 2004 World Rally Championship season – the Rally New Zealand. The reigning WRC champion led for most of the race, but was never able to completely outdistance Marcus Gronholm of Peugeot, who finished second, and Ford’s Markko Märtin, rounded out the podium.
It was the sixth career win for Solberg, and a landmark 40th WRC victory for Subaru. Subaru’s Mikko Hirvonen drove a quick, consistent race to finish in seventh place, gaining valuable experience for himself as well as two Manufacturer’s points for Subaru.
"If there's one man you don't want behind you on the last day, it's Marcus Gronholm,” said Solberg. “We were both pushing like hell out there. He had trouble, then I had trouble, I'm totally exhausted, but overall it's been really, really good fun. Rallying is a very special sport and to win here is a great feeling. I have so many people to thank in the team at Subaru and Pirelli – it’s been an incredible rally.”
Following the race, Solberg dedicated his win to the popular Subaru driver and New Zealand native, Peter “Possum” Bourne, who died one year ago.
Round five of the 2004 FIA World Rally Championship starts on May 13, on the island of Cyprus, where crews will contest a series of mechanically demanding rocky stages over 326.68 competitive kilometres.
|
