Pedder will again be behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi EVO X after coming to terms with the car in New Zealand. “I was highly impressed with the car. It felt strong, fast and is a real pleasure to drive.”

Mark’s brother Scott who has contested this rally previously expects the driving conditions to challenge the duo. “The roads aren’t really like anything they may have raced on in Australia, so it will be good to see them adjust to the new conditions, I think Mark will really enjoy this event.”

The Rally of New Caledonia is being run for the 14th time this year, with the French colony delighted to host the spectacle of multiple cars and teams arriving from around the world to experience the red clay roads of the tropics.

For Dowling, it is her second time competing in French territory, after contesting the 2007 Corsica Rally in Europe. “Corsica was an amazing experience for me and I am looking forward to competing in a completely foreign environment again.”

The rally begins on May 17th. For more information visit http://fiaaprc.com/.

You can follow the team’s progress and results via social media www.facebook.com/PeddersRally.