Rally rewind: Mexico 2015
Last year’s Rally Guanajuato Mexico was one of the most action-packed events of the season. There were thrills and spills every step of the way…
Thursday – 5.3.15
Neuville crowned king of the tunnels but Ogier strikes back
Thierry Neuville emerged from the dark and narrow network of tunnels that underpin the town of Guanajuato’s foundations – and formed part of the opening stage in Mexico – as the fastest driver on SS1. But the Belgian’s advantage was short-lived. Reigning world champion, Sébastien Ogier, jumped into the overnight lead when he went quickest on SS2; a super special held at León’s motor racing circuit.
Friday – 6.3.15
Raise the Ti-Tanak!
Despite the unenviable task of having to sweep Mexico’s dusty gravel roads, Ogier maintained his advantage at the head of the leaderboard by 13.5s from Jari-Matti Latvala on day two. The Frenchman was surprised to be there – but his cause had been helped by half of the drivers from the World Rally Car category falling by the wayside. Ott Tänak exited most spectacularly, tipping his Ford Fiesta off the road and into a lake.
Saturday – 7.3.15
Latvala's charge is over
Latvala planned to challenge Ogier for the rally lead on day three. But a mistake on the 42.90km Otates stage put paid to that. The Finn hit a bank and ripped the left-rear wheel off his Polo. He was out. Mads Østberg moved up to second in his DS 3, but he was more than a minute behind the dominant Ogier heading into the final day.
Sunday – 8.3.15
Ogier home and dry!
After dominating for three days, Ogier’s third consecutive victory in Mexico was rubberstamped on Sunday afternoon as he finished 1m 18.8s clear of his nearest rival. The identity of that driver was only decided in the closing stages when Andreas Mikkelsen’s assault on Østberg’s second place was curtailed by a time-sapping spin. With the pressure off, Østberg claimed the place, 6.5s clear of his compatriot.
