Top international rally driver Tommi Makinen drove at twice the speed limit on a gravel road and ignored police attempts to stop him, because he was late for the next stage of this year's Rally of New Zealand, a court heard.
Makinen, a four-time world champion, fellow Finn Kari Lars
Kristian Sohlberg and Daniel Sola Villa of Spain were represented by defence counsel Herman Roose before Judge Paul Whitehead in the Nelson District Court.
The trio did not appear but admitted separate charges laid by Whangarei police in April, when they were in the country for the Rally of New Zealand.
Makinen, 39, was convicted and fined $350 after admitting a charge of failing to stop for police.
Police said Makinen, a driver for the Subaru World Rally Team, was driving on State Highway 12 in Matakohe, 46km southeast of Dargaville.
He was travelling to the next stage of the rally.
Police checked his speed at 99km/h in a 50km/h temporary speed zone, and a police car followed him with its sirens on and lights flashing.
However, Makinen continued along the gravel road and ignored the police for about 2.4km.
He and his co-driver gestured to the police that they should leave them alone.
When spoken to later, Makinen said he was running late and feared he would have to forfeit the rally.
Sohlberg, 25, was convicted and disqualified from driving for six months after admitting a charge of dangerous driving.
Villa, 28, was convicted and disqualified for three months after admitting a charge of careless driving.
Police said Villa was waiting in a rally car to turn on to State Highway 12 from Paparoa Oakleigh Rd, south of Dargaville.
The intersection was controlled by point men. When the car in front of him was given the signal to go, Villa drove around it, cutting it off and forcing it off the road.
He carried on driving up the right-hand lane of the highway until he almost collided with an oncoming vehicle.
- NZPA
