Top Kiwi driver hails plan to move NZ leg of WRC to Auckland

Kiwi rally driver Richard Mason says making Auckland the host city for the New Zealand leg of next year's World Rally Championship would likely please international drivers. File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A move back to Auckland for next year's New Zealand leg of the World Rally Championship is being applauded by a top kiwi driver.

Rally New Zealand is expected to announce Auckland as the new host, having staged the race in the Waikato for the past three years.

Richard Mason says it is no surprise and is comforting news from the organisers.

He says it gives the drivers the opportunity to showcase the sport to a greater audience while it is likely to please international drivers with Auckland being closer to the port.

"It may also give organisers the opportunity to go to some of the roads north of Auckland to show a bit more variety".

Mason says Rally New Zealand organisers need to attract as many spectators to the event as possible and they will be doing their absolute best to showcase New Zealand.

"They'll be making sure they keep the WRC community happy to make sure we stay in that two year cycle calendar with Australia."

Australia is hosting this year's round of the WRC early next month.

- NEWSTALK ZB