The annual Otago Rally begins next month and motor-sport fans are being given the chance to ride in a Ford Escort RS1800 driven by 1981 World Rally Champion, Ari Vatanen.

The Rally of Otago, is auctioning two rides with Vatanen, one in Christchurch, and the other around the tarmac street stage during the Rally of Otago in Dunedin.

Organisers describe the ride-a-long as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In Dunedin, Ari Vatanen will drive a brand new BDA Escort, a replica of the Rothmans car that he won the World Rally Championship with in the 1980s.

The ride-a-long is being auctioned through the Trade Me website.