The World Rally Championship (WRC) is returning to New Zealand in 2020, following an eight-year absence.
Newshub reported earlier this week a decision would be made this weekend, but the WRC made the official announcement on Friday night (NZ time).
Auckland will stage the four-day event from September 3-6.
Along with New Zealand, Japan and Kenya return to the fold with Australia, Spain, and France dropped.
New Zealand's return to the big stage comes at the expense of Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour.
However, motorsport website Autosport is reporting the WRC plans to rotate between New Zealand and Australia every year, while Rally Australia tweeted its hopeful of a return in 2021.
"We are thrilled with the news that Rally New Zealand will return to the World Rally Championship calendar," said Rally New Zealand chairman Peter Johnston.
"This event has been an iconic part of our sporting landscape in New Zealand for many decades and it's an historic day for motorsport to confirm the event will return.
"New Zealand has always been one of the most popular events with teams and drivers because of our outstanding rally roads and the level of delivery by our team."
Rally New Zealand has a long history as part of the WRC, having hosted the event 32 times before securing this one-off return to the championship.
New Zealand last hosted a stage on WRC circuit in 2012, and organisers have been campaigning for a return for some time.
The 2020 WRC season begins in Monte Carlo in late January, and concludes in Japan in November.
Newshub.
