Motorsport: Italian bike star confirmed for NZ rally

Valentino Rossi

Italian world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will drive a world rally car provided and run by the Subaru team in Rally New Zealand next month.

His entry was confirmed yesterday by rally organisers, who say the entry is a coup for New Zealand.

It was negotiated by Tourism New Zealand, which sees the 27-year-old superstar offering an ideal chance to promote the country.

Rossi's car will be the Subaru driven by Australian Chris Atkinson in the German round of the championship. His co-driver will be the experienced Carlo Cassini.

David Richards, chairman of the Subaru rally team and also the commercial and television rights holder of the World Rally Championship, said the decision was exciting for the sport and for New Zealand.

"In the world of motorised sport, this guy is a super-hero," he said.

"He's got great charisma, great natural ability and it's going to be a great treat for everyone in New Zealand to come and see him in the rally.

"His involvement will provide a worldwide spotlight on the New Zealand event.

"Valentino has always been interested in rallying. While there's been all the talk about him going to Formula One, he has always said to us that if he was not racing a motorcycle, he wanted to be in rallying.

"Who knows - in a few more events we might see him in a permanent place in the rally championship."

Rally New Zealand, based in Hamilton, will run from November 17 to 19.