Top WRC drivers slam ‘artificial’ Jack’s Ridge

TOP WRC drivers have given the thumbs down to today’s Jack’s Ridge stage at Rally New Zealand.

Jack’s Ridge will be gone through twice on the final day of the rally and is also the power stage, so offers extra championship points for the drivers.

It has been hailed as a thrilling way for Rally NZ to finish by the event’s organisers, with a number of spectacular jumps.

However, three top drivers spoken to by the Sunday StarTimes, all thought the stage was a dud and it was a disappointing way for the rally to finish.

‘‘It’s a bit of an artificial stage compared to the rest of the rally, which is a shame in a way,’’ said Welshman Elfyn Evans, who was forced to retire yesterday after going into a bank, but was hopeful of being back in action today.

‘‘It’s not in keeping with the rest of the rally, but at least it will be good for the spectators I guess, to see the cars multiple times. I got the sensation we kept coming back to a similar location.’’

It was announced yesterday that the Jack’s Ridge stage, which is the only one today with spectator access, is a sell-out. Organisers have capped the attendance to 13,000 for the purpose-built venue, which was designed to test the drivers, while

that has helped them beat Penrith three times in the past three years.

‘‘I don’t think our team needs

any extra motivation,’’ Arthur said. ‘‘We know what’s at stake.’’

AAP