Motorsport: WRC round returns to Auckland

Sebastien Loeb driving in the 2010 Rally of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland will once again play host to a world motor rally championship (WRC) round next June, organiser Rally New Zealand announced today.

The event, to be held from June 21-24 will utilise several inner city locations, including the popular super special stage in the Auckland Domain.

Rally New Zealand chairman Peter ('PJ') Johnston, said today Auckland had proved a fantastic host city for the 2010 running of Rally New Zealand.

Next year's Rally New Zealand will be the seventh round of the 13-round 2012 WRC calendar.

In 2008, the international automobile association (FIA) decided New Zealand and Australia will host WRC rounds on alternate years.

The Australian WRC event ran in 2009 and 2011, the New Zealand WRC event in 2010 and 2012.

- NZPA