The World Rally Championship's return to New Zealand will start in the heart of Auckland, opening with a 'Super Special' stage around Auckland Domain.
On Tuesday, the stage details were revealed for the rally's long-awaited return to Kiwi shores, after a 10-year absence.
The Rally route comprises 17 stages with 275kms of racing over four days from September 29 to 2 October. The event's central hub will be at Auckland's waterfront with a fan zone spanning Silo Park, Wynyard Point and Halsey Wharf.
After the 1.4km start at Auckland Domain, the rally will head south to the Waikato for six special stages, highlighted with two passes through Whaanga Coast near Raglan, one of the world’s greatest rally stages.
There will also be a double pass of Te Akau North and Te Akau South to complete a bumper Friday that features 156km of racing.
On October 1, the competitors will be back in Auckland for the first time in 20 years to take on the brilliant, cambered corners of Kaipara Hills, followed by Puhoi and Komokoriki stages.
The final day comprises a double run on a new stage at Whitford Forest Te Maraunga Waiho, along with two passes through the remarkable purpose-built 6.5km circuit at Jack's Ridge Haunui.
The event will showcase the new WRC1 hybrid cars, which run on 100 percent sustainable and renewable synthetic fuel.
Fresh off a podium at the latest round of the championship in Finland, Kiwi driver Hayden Paddon will be looking to make the most of his local knowledge.
Back on the world stage, Paddon had no problem getting up to speed at Rally Finland, finishing third in the WRC2 category.
"Moving forward, we know there's more to come from both the car and myself, but this gets a bit of momentum going for us," Paddon told Newshub. "We've felt incredibly welcome back in the WRC."
His next stop will be a highly anticipated homecoming, with Rally New Zealand making a return after a decade in the wilderness.
"I've been spoilt over the three years having these perfectly smooth roads to rally on," added Paddon.
"The best rally roads in the world back in New Zealand."
