Gate expectations!

One of the most bizarre moments in recent WRC history came when Sebastien Ogier’s run to victory on last year’s Rally Mexico was interrupted when locals deliberately closed a gate to block his path.

Co-driver Julien Ingrassia jumped out of their Volkswagen Polo R midway through the Otates stage to open the gate before Ogier resumed his run to the top step of the podium.

Organisers thought it was an open and shut case and later credited the Frenchman with the time he dropped.

Well, Otates is back in the schedule this year and the good news is that the gate was firmly wedged open as crews tackled the pre-event recce ahead of tomorrow’s start.

Let’s hope there’s nothing barring the route when the stage is used on Saturday!