Usually held on Thursdays, the traditional "shakedown" has moved been forward to today, Wednesday. However, the allocated time for this last "testing" was kept to two hours as in Mexico (four hours in the past).  The shakedown took place from 14.00 to 16.00 local time (3.00 to 5.00 GMT time) on Komokoriki Road, a 4,5 km stage used since 2000 and located in the area of Kaupakapa, around 70 km North of Auckland.

Typical weather conditions for the Southern hemisphere's autumn could be representative for those of the event: ray of sunshine going through the clouds, chilly winds and some rain in the end of the afternoon.

Since Mexico, mechanics and engineers have learned to work as fast as possible to take the maximum benefit out of the allocated two hours. As Citroën only participated once in the New Zealander round, they worked hard to try all the possible settings. The Xsara WRC is here with new homologations on the engine and the chassis and gives to both drivers full satisfaction. Sébastien Loeb finds it "well balanced and easy to drive!"

Tonight the two Xsaras headed back to Auckland where the team will fine-tune their set- up. The event will start tomorrow Thursday at 19.25 (8.25 GMT) for the Super Special Stage of Manukau (2,1 km).