The Whaanga Coast stage in Rally New Zealand is where both Colin McRae came off in 2002 and then 20 years later Craig Breen did the same 1.5 Kilometers from the end of the stage. It seems to be a tricky corner with the on boards showing Elfyn Evans also having a bit of a moment on the corner.
In 2002 McRae was in 6th place and the leading Ford driver in his Focus RS, Colin explained at the time he misheard the pace note and entered the corner in 3rd gear instead of 2nd. Craig, in 2022 was running a respectable 2nd place before exiting on the very same corner on the second pass of the stage.
Richard Millener was quoted saying he was ‘surprised’ at Craig Breens mistake on such a corner. Breen would have been well aware of the Whaanga Coast stage corners potential to catch drivers out. This was made all the more frustrating by Craig’s incredible pace behind the unstoppable Kalle Rovanperä, who went on to seal the 2022 World Rally Championship at the finish of the rally.
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