Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Loeb Credits NZ Icon For World Rally Success
Loeb Credits NZ Icon For World Rally Success
Citroen driver Sebastien Loeb, the current runaway World Rally Championship leader, has admitted that his astonishing run of five straight World Rally Championship victories could be down to an iconic New Zealand symbol, the silver fern.
At the conclusion of Propecia Rally New Zealand, which Loeb won in April, a Maori tribe presented Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena with a silver fern, which Elena tucked into his door pocket of their Citroen Xsara WRC.
When they got to the next round in Sardinia, it was still there. They left it there and won. Then it went with them to Cyprus, Turkey and Greece – all of which they won.
Loeb currently has a 23 point lead over Petter Solberg (Subaru) who is 3 points clear of Markko Martin (Peugeot) and Toni Gardemeister (Ford) both tied on 39 points.
The next round of the World Rally Championship is Rally Argentina 15-17 July. It seems highly likely that the two hottest properties in world rallying will again be accompanied by a piece of 'kiwiana' as they go in search of a 6th consecutive victory.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts