Motorsport: Scenic Taupo awes Swiss A1GP driver

Chris van der Drift (R) and other A1GP drivers learn the haka in Taupo. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Swiss racecar driver Alexandre Imperatori thought the scenery in his favourite movies - the Lord of the Rings trilogy - was too good to be true.

But when he arrived in Taupo - where, across the lake, you can see Mt Ngauruhoe, which played the part of Mt Doom in the blockbuster trilogy - he was awestruck.

"I knew it was amazing from the movies but to see it for myself is something different. I can't believe this exists on earth."

Geneva-based Imperatori, 21, was one of 13 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport drivers who were yesterday thrown into New Zealand culture with a powhiri and haka lesson from the Ngati Tuwharetoa hapu.

The man-made Wairakei Terraces provided the perfect back-drop for the intense traditional war dance, which was followed by a fast ride on the Huka Falls Jet.

"If you do it properly you should end up with pink nipples like me," the haka leader Te Ori Paki told them.

"You guys learn quickly, that's why you're good drivers."

Netherlands driver Dennis Retera, 22, said he'd seen the All Blacks do the haka on television before rugby games, but was more familiar with it now he knew the meaning behind it.

Thousands of spectators are expected at the Taupo Motorsport Park to watch 20 nations vie for the bragging rights of winning the three-day New Zealand round which starts today.

Several overseas media crews are in town with the racing being broadcast to more than 150 countries.

Last year more than 65,000 people attended the event, which brought $8 million into Taupo.

Hotel reservations are down by 25 per cent on last year, however, mainly driven by the drop-off in corporate bookings.

Driving A1 Team New Zealand's Black Beauty is 22-year-old Chris van der Drift who, at 17, left New Zealand after winning numerous Kiwi KartSport titles.

The former Hamilton Boys High School student - who is based in the Netherlands - is regarded as an A1 rookie, despite winning European championships.

He led the wero (challenge) at the powhiri yesterday, but wasn't so skilful on the haka.

"I learnt it back in school, but it was so long ago I've forgotten it."

Jonny Reid, who drove Black Beauty to victory in the Sprint at Taupo last season, will join the team as a sounding board over the weekend.