Citroen privateer Petter Solberg has dominated the opening day’s action on Rally Mexico, round two of the World Rally Championship, winning five of the nine stages.
The 2003 World Champion benefitted from an advantageous road position, as those running at the front of the field had to sweep away plenty of loose gravel, which is a well-known characteristic of Mexican roads. In the past, the leaders on the opening day in Mexico have deliberately dropped time in order to start the following day with a lower road position.
However, Solberg refused to employ these tactics and so will take a 15-second lead into day two over the Citroen Junior Team’s Sébastien Ogier.
“I don’t need tactics; I’m just here to drive as fast as possible,” said Solberg. “I’ve really enjoyed the day and we’ve been competitive from start to finish, which feels great. Of course it will be tough tomorrow but we’re going to do our best. We’ll take it as it comes. For now, it feels great to be in front.”
Championship leader Mikko Hirvonen ran first on the road today and the Ford driver described the conditions in front as “impossible.” He ended the opening leg in sixth place, a minute and a half behind the leader.
Hirvonen’s key title rival Sebastien Loeb ran second on the road today, but was able to benefit from his Citroen’s superior speed in the tough and warm conditions – as can be seen by the fact that Citroen C4s occupy the top four positions overnight, ahead of six Fords. The last of those Focus WRCs, in a highly creditable 10th place, is driven by American stunt legend Ken Block.
“Things went better than I expected today,” said Block. “I’ve got to say it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had in a rally car. Awesome!”
The other big star of the event, Kimi Raikkonen, had a much more fraught day. After losing half an hour on the second stage with an electrical problem, he crashed out of the rally almost within sight of the finish of the seventh stage. His Citroen C4 WRC is too badly damaged to continue under the super rally regulations.
Keep up at the official WRC site, the Citroën Racing team and the Red Bull Rally site or follow the drivers: Sébastien Loeb, Kimi Raikkonen, Dani Sordo and Sébastien Ogier.
Citroen Sport/Red Bull Photofiles
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