Big names will make debut in next Indonesian rally

JAKARTA (JP): World auto racing fans will set their sights in Medan, North Sumatra, next month when several new but outstanding entries will be battling neck to neck against customary drivers in Indonesia's rally championships.

Subaru's Scot Collin McRae, Finnish driver Tommi Makinen of Mitsubishi will tackle the treacherous track along rubber and palm plantations in North Sumatra for the first time ever as the long-time rivalry between the two major auto racing teams resumes.

McRae's entry will mean a crucial back-up for his Subaru teammates Possum Bourne of New Zealand and young Briton Richard Burns.

Subaru's bid for its only second title here last year was foiled by Mitsubishi's new talent, Kenneth Eriksson of Sweden. The Swede took advantage of Burns' early exit to outsprint Bourne who struggled to solve his engine troubles.

Eriksson won the second leg of the world championship series at home in the final gasp in February. The championship was marred by controversy after Mitsubishi boss Andrew Cowan ordered pace setter Makinen to let his teammate win. Both drivers will again form a partnership during the July 7-9 rally, the first leg of the Asia Pacific championships series.

Other new entrants come from China, Japan, South Korea, India, the Netherlands, Canada, Italy and Austria. The organizers announced on Monday that at least 30 drivers from 12 countries have confirmed their participation.

Bourne, McRae and leading national rally driver Hutomo Mandala Putra have scrutinized the dry, tarmac roads outside the special stages from Sei Merah to Batu Gingging.

Participating drivers will cover a 1,200-kilometer route spanning from Medan to Parapat which includes 26 special stages during the three-day race.

The Mitsubishi team has notched up four straight victories in the Indonesia Rally since its inception in 1989 through skillful drivers Ross Dunkerton and Kenjiro Shinozuka. Bourne gave rival Subaru its lone victory in 1993.

The Asia Pacific series will head for New Zealand from July 27 to 31, Malaysia from Aug. 12-14, Australia from Sept. 15-18 and Hong Kong from Oct. 12-18, before the season-ending race in Thailand from Dec. 2-4. (amd)