Championship leader Mikko Hirvonen (Finland), his BP Ford Abu Dhabi team mates Jari-Matti Latvala (Finland) and Khalid Al Qassimi (UAE), Citroen Total World Rally Team’s Dani Sordo (Spain), and Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team’s Matthew Wilson (Great Britain) and Henning Solberg (Norway) were all in attendance to showcase the WRC in Australia’s media capital.
As a preview to the tenth round of the WRC which takes place in Kingscliff (3-6 September), the drivers were accompanied by their co-drivers for a day of adrenaline fuelled activities to keep in line with the nature of one of the world’s biggest global motorsports.
It began with a ride on the most powerful powerboat on Sydney harbour with 3 x 300bhp outboards, which provided high speed turns and wake jumps, all in the back drop of the world famous landmarks, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Next up was a trip to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi, to take on the challenge of beach volleyball against the Lifesavers, the stars of the TV reality show Bondi Rescue.
Mikko Hirvonen said: “I had a fantastic day and it was superb to spread the WRC message in Sydney. We visit some amazing locations around the world and activities like today allows us to celebrate that. I’ve been to Sydney a couple of times before and it’s a fantastic city. Now my attention turns to Repco Rally Australia which promises to be a tremendous event. I’m in a confident mood and can’t wait to get in the car and hopefully continue the great run of form I’ve had recently in the Championship.”
Dani Sordo added: “As WRC drivers we enjoy anything that is adrenaline based so today was a great experience in one of the most famous and recognisable locations in the world. I’m a big fan of Australia and am looking forward to the action in Kingscliff this week. The roads are set to be fast and it promises to provide some amazing action for all our fans around the world.”
The drivers will be joined tomorrow (31 August) by reigning champion, Sebastien Loeb, to take part in an Official Repco Rally Australia media conference in Sydney, before making their way to the Northern Rovers region for a huge round of the Championship, with only three points currently separating Hirvonen and Loeb at the top of the driver standings.
