"Already we've seen the enthusiasm with which the Repco team approaches a sponsorship project such as this," organising committee chairman Chris Carr commented, "It's just fantastic to work with a sponsor of Repco's commercial stature. There's a very natural alignment with Repco and Rally New Zealand and we are very much looking forward to working with the wider Repco team for our mutual benefit."
Due to the sheer number of countries that have offered world-class rally events, the
FIA has introduced a rotational event scheduling process in recent years, hence why New Zealand features on the 2008 calendar, but not the equally-popular Australian event.
"In 2009, the schedule is reversed - Rally Australia returns to the WRC calendar, while Rally New Zealand has a rest year and returns in 2010," confirmed FIA World Rally Commission president - and Kiwi - Morrie Chandler, president of the FIA World Rally Commission.
"Repco's sponsorship of two WRC events in two countries appears to be unique in our sport, but this decision fits well with the current rotational policy and will enable Repco to derive benefits in both markets. We applaud their initiative."
Repco Australia and New Zealand has a number of strategic marketing initiatives planned to support both WRC events, including the development of rally-specific websites and rally-branded merchandise for both markets. Repco will also present consumer competitions and advertising campaigns themed around the sponsorship.
"We are delighted to have such a prestigious company like Repco as the sponsor of the Australian Rally," commented organising committee chair Garry Connelly, "Repco has a long history of supporting Australian motorsport and this is a unique sponsorship agreement which will benefit all involved. We're pleased to share this sponsor with Repco Rally New Zealand and look forward to working closely with our friends across the Tasman. I've already had discussions with Chris Carr regarding how we can share other resources and support both of our WRC events.
