Motorsport: Argyle pursues Asia-Pacific title

Manawatu rally driver Geoff Argyle begins his quest to bring the Asia Pacific title back to New Zealand this weekend in Canberra.

A New Zealand driver has not held the title since 2000 when it was won by the late Possum Bourne.

In his second full tilt at the rally series, Argyle is hoping some new parts for his Mitsubishi Evolution VIII car will make the difference.

Argyle missed a top three overall finish in 2004 and research showed the difference between that and winning the championship was a more sophisticated 'dog' engagement gearbox.

"We expect to be in the top three (in Canberra) to start the year -- that's our aim," Argyle said.

A more demanding season lies ahead for the Argyle team, with three extra rounds requiring the team's cars to be continually shipped.

"Silverstone tyres are on board with us again this season, their logistic experience and knowledge of the Asia Pacific region has been of real benefit to us in the past.

"We are really looking forward to the season -- even if it means being away from home for a bit longer.

"I guess it gives us a bit more time to fly the Kiwi flag. It is amazing how people overseas react to Kiwis -- we're often treated like royalty," Argyle said.

Asia Pacific rally calendar: Canberra (April 22-24), New Caledonia (May 20-22), Rotorua (June 17-19), Hokkaido, Japan (July 22-24), Malaysia (August 19-21), Indonesia (Sept 9-11), Thailand (Oct 21-23), China (November 25-27).

- NZPA