Mazda targets Targa

McRae's motor racing pedigree is world-class; he has contested more than 75 World Rally Championship (WRC) events and is a former British Rally Champion. McRae is the third WRC competitor to test his mettle against the 17-year-old tarmac endurance rally, which this year will be held from April 15 to 20.

McRae and Bates will each be equipped with the latest performance car from Mazda, the Mazda3 MPS. The hot hatch is based on Mazda's best-selling model in Australia and comes with a turbocharged engine which belts out 190kW and 360Nm.

Mazda's two-car team will be competing in the event's new Showroom competition, which is designed to put near-standard vehicles on an equal billing with highly-modified racing and rally cars.

Perth-based McRae is charged about his first Targa drive, and is under no illusion of the challenge that lies ahead.

“It's great to have a new challenge, and doing it with Mazda will be great fun,” says McRae.

“Competing in an endurance event is completely new for me."

“My strategy will be to ensure a finish, but I am competitive by nature, so I want to finish as high up the leader board as possible."

McRae believes his biggest challenge will come from seasoned Targa competitors with numerous events under their belts.

One such Mazda regular is team-mate Bates who has five Targas to his name.

Bates says he's looking forward to some spirited competition with McRae.

“We got a great result last year, but to go one better is the aim; having Alister on the team will make for some good, healthy competition and I am sure we'll egg each other on.”

A professional rally driver, Bates' motorsport portfolio is loaded with circuit and rally accolades, including a win at the Panama-to-Alaska marathon rally, third at the London-to-Sydney and two top-10 finishes at the Bathurst 1000.

Bates thinks the Mazda3 MPS is the ideal machine for Targa's notoriously tricky roads and unpredictable weather.

“The Mazda3 MPS is an easy car to drive; its sure-footed handling inspires confidence, especially when you're pressing on. The car always feels strong, from the first competitive kilometre right to the last grueling day.”

Mazda Motorsport chief Allan Horsley believes this year's Targa has the potential to be Mazda's best.

“I could not be more pleased with our driver line-up; we really do have two top-class drivers. Last year's 10th outright is the goal I think we can beat, and I am also confident that both Rick and Alister will earn themselves a place on the Showroom podium.”

The 2008 Targa Tasmania comprises around 1800 kilometres, 450 of those are competitive and spread across 39 challenging closed-road stages. The prologue is on April 15, with competition starting April 16.