July 22: After a seven week break since the Acropolis Rally, the 1997 world rally championship season begins again. Barring last minute non-starters, New Zealand will welcome the highest number of competitors to its rally since 1977, the first time this world championship rally was held.

The 87 entries for a world championship rally is one of the highest entries received anywhere in the world so far this year.

For the first time ever the event returns to its base (this time at Manukau City, south of Auckland) each night.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.