The official entry list for Coates Hire Rally Australia has been released, showing 30 cars will line up for the FIA World Rally Championship 10th round on the New South Wales Coffs Coast on 12-15 September.
The list approved by the Federation de l’Automobile features drivers in three Volkswagen Polo R WRCs, three Citroen DS3 WRCs and three Ford Fiesta R WRCs in the outright class competing for the Manufacturers Championship, the Drivers Championship and Co-drivers Championship.
The world’s top rally drivers, including World Championship leader Sebastien Ogier (Volkswagen), three-time Rally Australia winner Mikko Hirvonen (Citroen) and Russian ace Evgeny Novikov (M-Sport Ford) are confirmed starters.
A 10th WRC-specification car will be a MINI John Cooper Works for Coffs Harbour driver Nathan Quinn, 27.
Eleven other Australian crews have entered the event, while New Zealand’s 2011 Production World Rally Champion Hayden Paddon will compete in a WRC2 Skoda Fabia S2000.
Drivers and co-drivers represent a wide range of nationalities, including Finland, France, Great Britain, Norway, Russia, Qatar, Ukraine, Venezuela and Argentina.
Rally Australia Chairman Ben Rainsford said he was delighted with the strength of the final entry.
“This is a great vote of confidence from competitors in what they expect us to turn on for them in just a few weeks.
“We can assure them it will be a very demanding but enjoyable challenge for the world’s best rally drivers – and of course a fabulous spectacle for our ticket holders.”
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