APRC driver Brian Green and co-driver Fleur Pedersen have won the final round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, The Rally of Gisborne after a consistent drive in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to finish over a minute ahead after 295.03km of competition.

Fifth overall after the first day, Green’s pace through today’s five special stages in the Tolaga Bay near East Cape area saw him slowly climb the standings, further assisted by other’s falling away.

It was just reward for Green who's property company is the title sponsor for the New Zealand Rally Championship and the kiwi's first championship win in New Zealand since 2001.

“We feel very happy, and I'm very tired,” said Green after the champagne finish. “The team’s worked really hard and Fleur has done a great job in the car - we're extremely happy. “Gisborne has always had really good roads.

They were smooth and fast but also very tricky; lots of crests with corners straight after them.”

Despite missing two championship rounds this season due to offshore commitments, Green finished the season sixth overall.

Ben Hunt in a two-wheel drive Ford Fiesta finished 2nd overall, in an event where none of the main championship contenders finished. However Richard Mason did secure his 4th NZRC title by finishing first on Day 1.

Photos: Geoff Ridder