Citroen ace Colin McRae is hoping for wet weather on the upcoming Rally of New Zealand. The Scot, who lies second in the World Championship behind Richard Burns, is optimistic that he can score his maiden victory for Citroen on the event, but only if the weather is inclement.
"It totally depends on the weather. But yes, if it's humid or if it rains then this is our best change of winning in the Xsara," explained the Scot.
McRae has traditionally run well in New Zealand, taking his first WRC victory there in 1993 and has won the event a further two times since. The long, smooth and fast gravel stages of the event favour McRae's attacking style and the former world champion is looking forward to the event after the slow going of Turkey.
"New Zealand is on the of the best rallies. Turkey was quite slow, but New Zealand is fast with great roads. The Xsara should be good there - it's usually stronger on the smooth events."
The rough and slow gravel stages of Turkey did not suit McRae despite suggestions by some that the Scot should have been closer to eventual winner and Citroen team-mate Carlos Sainz. A fast gravel rally like New Zealand should give McRae a good chance of victory but a dry event will almost certainly penalise the Scot as he and championship leader Burns 'sweep' the road clear for later competitors.
"If it's dry then we're knackered," said McRae, "especially with Marcus running that bit further back on the road behind us."
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