Motorsport: Car rolls during NZ Rally testing

Czech driver Roman Kresta has rolled his Ford in final testing for the New Zealand Rally.

The accident happened in testing around the Paparoa district, north of Auckland, causing major damage to the car.

Kresta may not be able to make the start line for the first stage on Friday, just before 10am.

Mitsubishi's Harri Rovanpera has also had problems, ripping a wheel off after crashing into a post, although team mechanics should be able to fix his car in time for the race.

World champion Sebastien Loeb has set the fastest shakedown times this morning in his Citroen, followed Australian Chris Atkinson in a Subaru.

Rally New Zealand gets underway with a ceremonial opening at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour at 7.30pm tonight.

- NEWSTALK ZB