Asian Motor Sports

The FIA has shifted the date for the Rally of New Zealand to November 17-19 in 2006 citing logistical reasons.

A change in date matches the event up with Rally Australia as part of the controlling body’s plan for ‘twinning’ of events.

Selected events in 2006 will be paired up with certain restrictions over use of engines, gearboxes and chassis. Over some events teams will only be able to use a single engine and gearbox combination, other events will share the same sealed gearbox. eg. Monte Carlo and Sweden are paired up to use the same engine and gearbox.

With the championship being decided between the teams of Ford and Subaru it seems likely that teams will be forced to drive carefully after the initial fight for the rally lead. Certainly if problems strike the factory cars we’ll be seeing privateers on the podium regularly. Could Loeb take another title from a non-factory car?

Source Kiwi Sport