Rally great Sebstien Ogier has won almost everything there is to win in the sport during his glittering tenure as an eight-time world champion, but there are two omissions from his glowing CV - wins at Rally Argentina and Rally New Zealand.
In fact, Ogier still has unfinished business from 12 years ago, when he was part of the last event held on Aotearoa shores.
Back then, the Frenchman had yet to win a world championship and the odds were heavily stacked in his favour to clinch the crown in New Zealand, but just a few corners away from the title, Ogier made some fundamental errors that ultimately cost him a podium spot.
"It was such an exciting battle for my first win in WRC and it was close to happening [in New Zealand]," Ogier recalled. "I was just missing three or four corners, but I remember a fight right up until the end.
“Frustrating moment at that point of course, but luckily I didn’t have to wait so long, as three weeks later was Rally Portugal and I finally get this first win."
Ogier admits there'll still be a hint of retribution on his mind this week, when Rally NZ revs up its engines.
"Of course, we can also talk of unfinished business, where it would be nice to fight for the win again," he said. "Even though, for me, there was a bit of a bitter taste at that time, it still remains a good memory of my career, where I was very close to get that first win.
"It didn't happen, but luckily for me, I had a chance to collect quite a few of them."
The 38-year-old announced his retirement from full-time racing last year and now only contests selected events on the circuit.
However, Ogier insists it wasn't the chance to right the wrongs of that 2010 rally that drew him back this time, more the opportunity to return to the NZ roads that are so readymade for the sport.
"It was the beauty of the roads here and the country itself," he explained. "I have good memories of New Zealand, so when it was clear it was coming back on the championship and that was I going to do some rallies this season, I straightway picked New Zealand."
Rally NZ begins with the opening stage at Auckland Domain on Thursday.
