British duo chasing Kiwi honours

The duo are tied in fourth behind World Championship leader Tommi Makinen and Toyota pair Didier Auriol and Carlos Sainz.

Ford's McRae knows victory is vital if he is to end Makinen's run of three championships and regain the title he last held in 1995.

'If we don't win in New Zealand,' said the Scottish ace, 'it doesn't mean we can't still take the title, but we really need to close the gap to those ahead of us.'

Meanwhile Burns is hoping to capitalise on recent form, which included a win in Greece and second in Argentina.

'I have shown that I'm not here to make up the numbers,' added the Subaru star.

'It's not just Colin, I want to beat everyone. If I can win again in New Zealand then there's no reason why I can't bid for the title.'

McRae has won the event three times, while Burns took the honours on the 1996 non-championship event while at Mitsubishi.


LEADING ENTRIES


1 Makinen/Mannisenmaki Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

4 Auriol/Giraudet Toyota Corolla WRC

3 Sainz/Moya Toyota Corolla WRC

7 McRae/Grist Ford Focus WRC

5 Burns/Reid Subaru Impreza WRC99

6 Kankkunen/Repo Subaru Impreza WRC99

2 Loix/Smeets Mitsubishi Carisma GT

8 Radstrom/Gallagher Ford Focus WRC

9 Rovanpera/Pietilainen SEAT WRC

10 Gardemeister/Lukander SEAT WRC

11 Bourne/Vincent Subaru Impreza WRC98

12 Kahle/Schneppenheim Toyota Corolla WRC

14 Trelles/Christie Mitsubishi Lancer E5 (N)

15 Kataoka/Hayashi Mitsubishi Lancer E5

16 Dor/Gormley Subaru Impreza WRC98

17 Stohl/Petrasko Mitsubishi Lancer E5 (N)

18 Wahaibi/Sircome Mitsubishi Lancer E5 (N)

19 Guest/Green Subaru Impreza WRX (N)

20 Mendez/Muzio Mitsubishi Lancer E5 (N)

Leg 1: Auckland-Auckland, Thursday July 15, 1700-1925 (SS1 only); Friday July 16, 0545-2025, nine stages.

Leg 2: Auckland-Auckland, Saturday July 17, 0700-2000, 10 stages.

Leg 3: Auckland-Manukau, Sunday July 18, 0700-1530, seven stages.