The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is thrilled to announce the inclusion of another WRC event-winning driver for the 2026 event.

Two-time Otago Rally competitor and 2019 Classic Rally winner Mads Østberg will return for his third attempt at the event.

The popular Norwegian will go head-to-head against Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke in the 50th anniversary Otago Rally, to be held from April 10-12 next year.

While Meeke will be at the wheel of a Ford Escort RS1800, Østberg will line up in a top-spec Mazda RX3 owned by prominent Southland businessman and motorsport supporter and competitor Scott O’Donnell.

The deal has been made possible by the generous support of Paddon Racing Group and O’Donnell, with Østberg to enlist experienced local co-driver Jared Hudson to read pacenotes for the event.

“I can’t wait to come back,” Østberg said. “I enjoyed myself so much when I was there in 2018 and 2019.

“2026 is going to be a real challenge against Kris Meeke in the Rossendale Escort and Pasi Hagstrom in the Central Machine Hire Porsche 911.

“New Zealand is a special place in the world to go rallying, and I’m excited to make some more memories there.”

The owner of the Mazda RX3, Scott O’Donnell, added:

“It’s great to be able to support Mads coming back to the Otago Rally, and help make their 50th anniversary something really special.

“The RX3 is a fast car, and I think we’re about to find out just how fast it really is.”

While a Mazda RX7 has won the Otago Classic Rally before, an RX3 has never tasted success, although that Mazda model has won the overall rally on four occasions.

“It’s so good to have Mads back here at the Otago Rally,” event spokesman Roger Oakley said.

“He’s such a great guy, the fans really enjoyed meeting him. It’s hard to believe it will be seven years since he was here last.

“The spectators are in for a treat, Mads is a spectacular driver and the Mazda RX3 is a very fast car.”

While his World Rally Championship commitments with Hyundai may prevent him from entering this year’s Otago Rally, Hayden Paddon has been influential in getting Østberg back to New Zealand.

“I’ve had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Otago Rally for a long time now. I’m delighted to be able to help bring my good friend Mads back to compete,” Paddon said.

“The Classic Rally really is a special event, and seeing Mads competing against Kris and Pasi will be great viewing.”

The Otago Rally thanks the New Zealand Government for support from its Event Boost Fund, and the City of Dunedin for Premier Event support.