Preview: Aiming to defend our championship lead on gravel
The 2018 WRC season is heating up! We have packed away our thermals as we head to the warmer climate of Rally Mexico for the first gravel event of the year.
We are in positive spirits after scoring victory in Sweden. The result saw us jump to the top of the manufacturers’ championship, but the heat and altitude of Mexico offers a fresh challenge.
“We have to tackle Rally Mexico with realistic expectations,” admitted our Team Principal Michel. “We are hoping to defend our lead in the championship by scoring another strong team result.”
View to a thrill
The heat and altitude of the Mexican stages have been a happy hunting ground for our team in the past four years. We took our first ever WRC podium at the event in 2014, and followed that up with another top-three result last season.
“Mexico brings back good memories,” said Thierry. “The rally has a more relaxed atmosphere and it is generally a bit calmer for the drivers. It is a unique and enjoyable event.”
After scoring their first podium for our team in Sweden, our Norwegian crew Andreas and Anders are in good form. They know what it takes to tame the Mexican terrain.
“It is a warm event so we have to take extra care of the brakes,” explained Andreas. “There is typically a lot of road cleaning. With stages held at altitude the engine is also down on power. It requires a change of driving style. I’m ready to fight for another strong result.”
Sweet like El Chocolate
Rally Mexico covers 22 special stages run over a total distance of 344.49km, including legendary stages like El Chocolate and the impressive El Brinco jump. Fervent fans create a festive feeling as the crews fly past.
Our Spanish crew of Dani and Carlos return to our line-up for round three, and will be aiming to make a positive impression.
“I have always enjoyed this event,” said Dani. “The stages are lined with many passionate rally fans, who cheer and support us all weekend. I hope we can compete near the front to help defend our manufacturers’ lead.”
The action begins with a short street stage at Guanajuato on Thursday evening.
