Rd.8 Telstra Rally Australia
	Production Car World Rally Championship Rd.8 11 to 13 November 2005

Copyright © STI

The 2005 World Rally Championship has come to a close after a dramatic season finale in Perth, Western Australia. After being the bridesmaid two years' running, veteran rally driver Toshi Arai finally lifted the crown he and Kiwi co-driver Tony Sircombe have so valiantly fought for since joining the PCWRC in its inaugural season four years ago. Taking an unassailable four victories from six rounds contested, their lead over second-placed Nasser Al Attiyah stands at 15 points (50 - 35) at the close of the season.

Crews tackled six competitive stages this morning, split into two loops of three stages each. Starting with the Atkins 1 test (4.42kms) after leaving parc ferme at 06:30hrs, Mark Higgins set the pace early on; with Toshi slotting in second ahead of Marcos Ligato.