Big names will make debut in next Indonesian rally
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)