The best of Guanajuato Rally México

In less than two decades, Mexico has delivered some of the sport’s most astonishing performances as well as some of the most iconic moments.

Iconic? That has to be the event’s ceremonial start. So many pages have been written, so many words spoken, about what goes on in Guanajuato on Thursday night – none of it can do the thing justice. Sensory-wise, it’s the atmospheric assault that just keeps on giving.

Few events have embarked on such endeavour as Mexico, whether that’s a super special in the heart of Mexico City or an 80-kilometre stage – a test which remains the longest in the WRC’s recent memory.

Out on the road, it was epic from the outset. Petter Solberg’s lights to flag victory in 2005 was a standout, as were six wins apiece for Sébastiens Loeb and Ogier. Trying to single out one of the Frenchmen’s successes is almost impossible. But let’s give it a shot… try 2015 for Ogier: the one he wasn’t supposed to win after two days at the front of the field.

The eight-time champion wrote his own script and led Mads Østberg home by more than a minute come Sunday.

A year on and it was Ogier’s Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala who was the proudest owner of a pair of the winner’s cowboy boots after a fine strategic and pacey win aboard his Polo.

If it’s truly iconic imagery you’re after, Guanajuato Rally México delivered that in 2017, when Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle dived through a hedge and toured a car park on the final stage before heading to victory aboard their Citroën C3 WRC.

The WRC’s visit to Guanajuato has never failed to deliver. The spectacle will be just as captivating as ever this week.