FIA Production car World Rally Championship contender Nigel Heath has relinquished the competition number he has been running for this season, number 46, to allow MotoGP star Valentino Rossi, competing in NZ in a Subaru Impreza WRCar, to use the number instead.
Rossi has always used number 46 whenever he competes, including the MotoGP series and Rally GB which he contested in 2002 in a Peugeot 206WRC. Heath has agreed to use the vacant number 44 instead, allowing 'The Doctor' to use his favourite 46.
Rossi has used this number throughout his career, despite the usual system where the reigning champion, which Rossi has been seven times, assumes number 1 for the following season. This is an homage to Barry Sheene and Rossi wears Number 1 on the shoulder of his leathers when he is reigning champion.
He says that he uses 46 because this was the number of a Japanese 'Wild Card' entry he saw in a race on TV, who demonstrated incredible skill in a wet race. It was also the number Rossi's father used for the first three GP wins of his career.
"Donuts" will be allowed in Rally NZ
One of the most iconic sights from rallying, 'Donuts', is to return at the next round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Propecia Rally New Zealand later this month.
Donuts, spins around the front wheels of the car and performed as a celebration by winning drivers rather than Homer Simpson's favourite snack, have been banned for safety reasons for some time. Several drivers this year have been reprimanded for carrying them out at the end of events, contrary to regulations.
However, the organisers in New Zealand have created a special donut area as part of the finish ceremony of the event. This 20mx20m area will be surrounded by double rows of traffic barriers and spectators will be safely separated from the area.
According to the Official Documentation, drivers will be permitted to perform donuts after the podium ceremony if they wish.
-WRC.com
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