Brother Rally New Zealand bosses have revealed their delight after it emerged that 22 different countries will be represented on the spectacular gravel event, round seven of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Crews from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, not to mention New Zealand, will be in action on the Auckland-based contest from 21-24 June.

Chief organiser Peter Johnston said: “It truly is an international event in every sense of the word. Aside from manufacturer teams here representing some of the world’s biggest automobile companies there are drivers, co-drivers, management, crew and spectators from all around the globe on our soil for a week.

“Not only is it important for New Zealand’s tourist industry they all have a good time but it puts us front and centre of the world stage where we get to showcase all the reasons why we’re significant.”

Fans able to attend the event will be able to meet their heroes during an autograph session at the Rally Family Day in Auckland from 12:30hrs-13:40hrs local time on Sunday (17 June).

The competitive action gets underway with the Qualifying Stage on the morning of Thursday 21 June. The opening special stage gets underway on Friday 22 June.