1981 World Rally Champion, Ari Vatanen, took to the forests near Christchurch today to shakedown the Ford Escort RS1800 that he will drive in this weekend's DriveSouth Rally of Otago.

Vatanen will be co-driven in the event by the experienced Italian, Fabrizia Pon, the former co-driver of Michele Mouton.

Rally of Otago photographer, "Crowbar", was on site to capture the action. CLICK HERE for more photos of Ari Vatanen testing.