rally.ie - Stories - Mexico

M-SPORT AND FORD MAKE WRC HISTORY

Posted: March 10, 2016 10:06 AM

M-Sport and Ford created history today by becoming the first manufacturer to secure 200 consecutive point-scoring finishes in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The first points finish in the record-breaking run came at Rallye Monte-Carlo in 2002 when Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae brought the Ford Focus RS WRCs home in third and fourth places respectively.

Thanks to a podium finish from Mads Ostberg and four additional championship points for Eric Camilli at this weekend's Rally Mexico, the record now stands at an impressive 200 and counting.

Seventeen crews have contributed to the record and in that time, the team has racked up a number of impressive statistics including two WRC manufacturer titles, 41 wins, 154 podiums and 889 stage victories.

Since M-Sport began their collaboration with Ford in 1997, the manufacturer team has secured a total of 51 WRC wins, 203 podiums and 1171 stage victories.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
"This is a huge achievement for Ford and M-Sport, and one that we are all immensely proud of. Winning rallies is largely down to the drivers, but finishing rallies is down to the team and this achievement is a reflection on the dedication, commitment and technical expertise of the entire team.

"When we first started this run of points finishes there was no Rally 2 regulation which I think makes it all the more impressive. Of course we've had a few near misses over the years when we nearly lost the record, but the team has managed to maintain it through dedicated work and some truly exceptional performances.

"One day, this record will come to an end, but we've given our rivals an extremely hard target to chase. I'm confident that it will be very difficult for another other manufacturer to beat this and I need to thank the whole team we have at M-Sport ? without them, this would not have been possible."

Senior Manager, Ford Performance, Ford of Europe, Gerard Quinn, said:
"A run of 200 consecutive points-scoring finishes in the WRC is a huge achievement ? and something that will not be matched for some time.

"This record began at Rally Monte-Carlo in 2002 and the success has seen Ford and our rally partners M-Sport earn points on every WRC event since that time ? a truly remarkable achievement.

"It clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to democratising our performance technology which enables all Ford drivers to achieve success in rally ? one of the world's most challenging motor racing series.

"This milestone also recognises the dedication and commitment of all those who have contributed to our record-breaking achievement. Here's to the next 200!"

THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE RECORD

Results

Posted: March 10, 2016 10:03 AM

Results On Line (Mexico 2016)

rally-base results

Rally Mexico

M-SPORT READY FOR MEXICAN FIESTA

Posted: February 26, 2016 4:56 PM

M-Sport World Rally Team's Mads Ostberg and Eric Camilli could make FIA World Rally Championship history next week as the team are on the brink of securing a record-breaking run of 200 consecutive point finishes. But before the celebrations can begin, the team must master the challenges of Rally Mexico.

Traversing the Sierra de Lobos and Sierra de Guanajuato mountains to the north and east of Leon, the Mexican fixture is the first of six consecutive gravel rallies but has an individuality which sets it apart from the more traditional loose-surface events.

In stark contrast to Rally Sweden, air temperatures can linger around the 30C mark - with those in the cockpit as high as 50C. The high temperatures require both driver and co-driver to be in peak physical condition to maintain focus through endurance stages - the toughest of which being the championship's longest stage since 1983 at a mammoth 80 kilometres.

The route also reaches more than 2,700 metres at its peak which places significant strain on the engines as oxygen-starved air can see performance fall by as much as 20 per cent. The team have made extensive use of Ford's environmental test laboratory to best simulate the expected conditions, but the crews must adapt their driving style to account for the reduced performance and conducted a comprehensive pre-event test in the hills north of Barcelona this week.

Braking points differ from those on more familiar gravel events and the smallest of mistakes become more difficult to recover. A precise driving style with faultless pacenotes is essential and that is exactly what Ostberg and co-driver Ola FlOene have been perfecting.

The Norwegian has form in Mexico. He finished second at the event last year and the last time he took to the wheel of a Fiesta, Sebastian Ogier singled him out as his main rival for the win. The World Champion had good cause to fear Ostberg in 2013. The Norwegian led the event and battled for the win until an electrical issue forced him down the standings.

As the third car on the road, Ostberg could be disadvantaged by road position, but if everything goes to plan he and FlOene have a strong chance of challenging for another podium result.

In the sister M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC, Camilli will be experiencing the Mexican stages for the first time. The Frenchman will have a lot to learn and it will be important for him gain as much experience as possible as he builds confidence ahead of the European events.

In order to achieve his goals, he felt it important to introduce some familiarity and will be joined by former co-driver Benjamin Veillas. The pairing have a strong relationship having competed behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta R5 last year and it's hoped that the familiarity reignites his season.

Preparations certainly started well for the rookie as he was awarded a podium place at a ceremony that celebrated Nice's most accomplished sportsmen and women earlier this week.

QUOTE, END QUOTE

Mads Ostberg said:
"This is one of my favourite events and we have done well there in the past. We finished second last year, and the last time I was behind the wheel of a Fiesta I was leading the rally and challenging for the win.

"This will be my first time driving the latest version of the Fiesta RS WRC on gravel, so there will be an element of getting to grips with everything. Having said that, we had a good test earlier this week and I would hope that we will be able to get up to speed fairly quickly.

"It's one of those events where you have to be 100 percent focused. The high altitude means that the engines have less power. It's the same for everyone, but if you make a mistake it is very difficult to get the time back as you can't get back on the power as quickly as you can at other gravel event.

"Your pacenotes need to be absolutely perfect if you're going to challenge for the top results, so it's good that the relationship between Ola and myself is progressing really well. It feels as though we have been sitting together for years, and that's the sort of confidence you need to do well in Mexico.

"My road position won't be quite as good as it was last year, but if everything else goes to plan then I think we can still be competitive and hopefully challenge for another strong result."

Eric Camilli said:
"This will be my first time at Rally Mexico and I am really looking forward to my first gravel event with the Fiesta RS WRC. It's another new rally so I know that there will be a lot to learn and I'm aware that Mexico is not a typical gravel event.

"The high altitude reduces engine performance so you need to alter your driving style to suit these conditions. There are also some exceptionally long stages - longer than anything I've ever experienced - so it will be important to keep focused throughout the weekend.

"I know it will be another big challenge, but we had a good test in the lead up and I'm confident that I'll be able to get my season back on track.

"I was happy with the speed that we were able to show in the first two rallies, but they didn't turn out as we had hoped. Now, I need to focus on having a clean run and finishing the next two events so that I can build my confidence ahead of the more familiar European rounds.

"To achieve this, I felt it was important to have some familiarity in the car so Benjamin will join me in Mexico. We worked together last year and established a really good relationship so I hope that will help me achieve my goals next week.

"I must thank Nicolas [Klinger] for his work in the first two rallies. He has a lot of rally experience and I learnt a lot from him in the early part of the season."

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
"Mexico has become something of a special event for us. We secured a one-two finish when we went there for the first time in 2004, and challenged for the win with Mads in 2013. Last year also saw us achieve the seemingly impossible by raising the 'TiTanak'.

"This year, it could become the scene of another major achievement for us as we close in on Ford and M-Sport's 200th consecutive points finish.

"Mads has good form at this event and if everything works in his favour then I think he can be challenging for another strong result. The last time he was here in a Fiesta, Ogier singled him out as his main rival and with good reason. He might be disadvantaged as only the third car on the road, but if everything goes to plan then he has every chance of challenging for another podium.

"For Eric, it will be another steep learning curve. I was impressed by how quickly he was able to get up to speed at both Monte-Carlo and Sweden, but the priority for this event will just be to finish and gain experience. It's important for him to get two solid finishes under his belt before we head back to Europe where he can start showing his speed on events that he is more familiar with."

Mexico's Multiple Highs To Deliver Ultra Challenge

Posted: February 26, 2016 4:55 PM

A number of highs related to next week's Rally Guanajuato Mexico will see the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship provide a huge challenge for DMACK as the series returns to gravel for the first time since September.

High altitudes, high ambient temperatures and high stage distances will all contribute to what's expected to be one of the toughest editions of this event. However, the challenge is set to peak on the final day when the DMACK World Rally Team tackles a huge 80km stage - the longest test in WRC for over 30 years.

After the asphalt of Monte Carlo and snow of Sweden, Mexico hosts the third different surface in as many events. The stages around Leon are literally the pinnacle of the championship - reaching the highest point of the season at 2737m.

And it's a compact route, with nearly 40% of the entire distance comprising competitive stages. But the mix of loose and abrasive surfaces, together with high speeds, delivers a real test for tyres and forces drivers and teams to manage their allocation effectively.

DMACK has nominated its DMG+2 tyre, which features some minor revisions from 2015, in the hard S3A compound to provide a mix of performance and durability. The hard compound means tread blocks are stiffer, offering greater high-speed stability and improved durability in the energy-soaking temperatures and rough gravel roads.

Generally punctures are not a huge issue in Mexico and DMACK's gravel tyre must offer enough protection to give drivers the confidence to carry just one spare and keep weight to a minimum.

Tyre management in Mexico means checking and adjusting tyre pressures, which can rise and fall with altitude changes, and complex tyre changes during each loop of stages to ensure the best possible performance on the long speed tests.

The DMACK World Rally Team crew of Ott Tanak and Raigo M?lder will be allowed a maximum of 28 tyres fitted to their M-Sport-run Ford Fiesta RS WRC next week. The Estonian pair were the stars of last year's event after submerging their Fiesta in a lake on the opening day and then returning, after a mechanical miracle from M-Sport, to finish the rally.

But 2015 is firmly in the past and Tanak will be aiming to improve on his fifth place in Sweden two weeks ago to consolidate his championship challenge and bolster DMACK's fifth position in the manufacturer series.

Rally Mexico is renowned for the energetic ceremonial start in the stunningly colourful town of Guanajuato - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crowds flock from afar to watch the opening street stage running through tunnels under the town on Thursday evening.

The high-action route then switches to the dirt roads traversing the Sierra de Lobos and Sierra de Guanjuato mountains. Friday features two passes over the 54.21km El Chocolate test while Saturday boasts two runs through Otates at 42.62km. However, both days are eclipsed by the mammoth Guanajuato test, which could see a final day sting in the tail while also testing drivers' stamina and physical endurance.

Crews will finish back at the Leon Rally Campus on Sunday afternoon after 21 stages covering 399.71km.

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said:
"Once again the Rally Mexico organisers have put together an itinerary which will really test tyres and drivers. We've got some long distances between tyre changes so a clever strategy to manage tyre wear will be crucial. However, we have good experience from this event and we're confident again in our products."

Ott Tanak said: ?It's really nice to be going to Mexico, it's an event I enjoy and the atmosphere and energy, especially at the start, is something really special. The rally is always a big challenge. It's the first hot rally of the season and every day has got some very long stages - this is a challenge that I enjoy. The final day will be something special and I'm looking forward to it a lot."

Top performance is a must: Volkswagen can make rally history in Mexico

Posted: February 26, 2016 4:50 PM

100th WRC start: Ogier/Ingrassia aim to mark the occasion with a win Mikkelsen/Jaeger are closest challengers, good starting position for Latvala/Anttila Run of victories: Volkswagen can equal own record in the highlands of Central Mexico Wolfsburg (26 February 2016). The air gets thinner as you approach the summit: this is an apt description of the situation at round three of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Reigning champions and current World Championship leaders Sebastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F), and second-placed Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jaeger (N/N), are facing a stern test at the "Roof of the World Rally Championship". At the Rally Mexico (03-06 March) they will be starting from first and second place on the tricky gravel stages in Central Mexico. Their Volkswagen team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) are eighth onto the route, and all share a common goal: to secure a fourth consecutive win for Volkswagen at extreme heights of up to 2,746 metres above sea level, which would also equal the current record of twelve straight victories for the Polo R WRC. They must complete 399.71 kilometres against the clock over 21 special stages - including the longest and shortest stages ever contested by the Polo R WRC, at 80.00 and 1.09 kilometres respectively.

"We have to deal with extreme situations in Mexico," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. "The special stages are the highest of the entire season; we will face the longest stage of the year, and the shortest too in the tunnels of Guanajuato. We travel to Mexico with Sebastien Ogier and Andreas Mikkelsen in first and second place in the World Championship standings - this is anything but an easy task, as they must deal with the disadvantage of opening the route. Jari-Matti Latvala also has a good starting position in eighth. The chance of claiming a twelfth straight victory and equalling our own record gives us a bit more motivation. However, we will have our work cut out at the first gravel rally of the year, due to the very strong field there. We have never shied away from a challenge, and we are looking forward to Mexico."

Viva Mexico! Enthusiastic support from a fair and knowledgeable rally crowd

The most passionate fans in the rallying world, a thrilling start in Guanajuato and the widespread popularity of Volkswagen - the third round of the World Rally Championship season is not just a highlight for the team of Ogier, Latvala, Mikkelsen and co. From Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon, thousands of avid fans will line the routes of the special stages to cheer on the competitors. The official start of the rally takes place in the mining town of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring a web of tunnels and beautifully painted houses, this is one of the most fascinating and emotional events in the World Rally Championship.

Ever higher, ever further - extremes of height and distance

Onwards and upwards at the Rally Mexico: after 45.6 kilometres of the "El Chocolate" special stage, a long climb leads the World Rally Cars to a fast right and the highest point of the rally season. The "Roof of the World Rally Championship" is at 2,746 metres above sea level. The most challenging aspect of this is the gradual decrease in oxygen levels as the rally climbs ever higher: this means that there is less fuel for the combustion chambers of the 1.6-litre turbo engines. The engineers had to work hard to find a solution that makes the most of the circumstances without adversely affecting the stability of the engine, allowing them to counter a reduction in performance of up to 30 per cent.

The 54.21 kilometres of the "El Chocolate" stage already make this one of the longest stages on the calendar - but it is not the longest by far. Although the exact routes have not yet been agreed for all World Championship races, we can be sure of one thing: the 80 kilometres of Sunday's "Guanajuato" stage make this the longest test of man and machine in the entire year, as it reaches the limits of what is allowed in the statutes of the FIA, the world motorsport governing body. "Guanajuato" has everything it takes to attain legendary status.

Plenty to celebrate: 100th World Championship start for Ogier and Ingrassia

Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have long been connected to the Rally Mexico by a special story. They started their World Championship career here in 2008, celebrating a victory in the Junior World Championship series. The return of the three-time world champions to Mexico in 2016 will mark their 100th start in the World Rally Championship. Ogier/Ingrassia can look back on many successes in the place where it all began, and have won the last three editions of the Rally Mexico. Their achievement in 2015 will live long in the memory: a smart choice of tyre and outstanding navigational and driving skills ensured that they celebrated a triumph that many had thought impossible beforehand.

Mikkelsen/Jaeger on the hunt for first place

The closest challengers to Ogier/Ingrassia are fellow members of the Volkswagen team: Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jaeger are 23 points behind the reigning champions after the rallies in Monte Carlo and Sweden. However, the two Norwegians, who have only been racing together since the start of the season, also have what it takes to win. Andreas Mikkelsen tasted victory in Spain, in the last World Championship rally that took place on the kind of dry gravel surfaces that we will see in Mexico. The Norwegian also has a good record in Mexico and finished third there last season.

Chance to make amends - Latvala/Anttila with a perfect starting position

Two chances to make up lost ground: Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila are competing in the third Polo R WRC and aim to banish memories of a start to the season that has not gone as they had hoped. A starting position of eighth, which gives them the advantage over their team-mates, has done their chances no harm at all. Motivation and a desire to succeed will not be lacking as they look to improve on the zero points registered not just at the rallies in Monte Carlo and Sweden, but also in Mexico last year.

Matching their own record - extra motivation for Volkswagen on the way to Mexico

Unbeaten since the Rally Portugal in 2015 - eleven wins in a row. In Mexico, Volkswagen has the chance to extend that run of victories, having already triumphed in Portugal, Italy, Poland, Finland, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Great Britain, Monte Carlo and Sweden. This would equal their own record, which was set between the Rally Australia 2013 and the Rally Finland 2014. To compare: the two longest winning runs were set by Volkswagen, with twelve and eleven consecutive victories, while the third-best record belongs to Citro?n with eight wins in a row.

Quotes ahead of the Rally Mexico

Sebastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
"The Rally Mexico will be the 100th of my career. A victory would be the best way to celebrate this but it will not be easy. I am really looking forward to the first gravel rally of the season. I have many great memories of Mexico and the fantastic fans there. My career began with a victory in the Junior World Championship here eight years ago - that was a dream come true for me. The last three visits to Mexico have been very successful for us. One of the key factors is the mountain air, and our Volkswagen Polo R WRC has always dealt very well with that. I hope that this will also be the case in 2016. Julien and I will not be over-confident and will be as focussed as ever when the rally begins."

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
"Mexico will be the first gravel rally of the year and the surface is normally pretty hard. This is covered with a layer of finer gravel, which makes the surface as a whole very slippery. The surface becomes cleaner and faster as more cars drive over it. This means that it is an advantage to start the stages later - as long as it is not raining. That can happen in Mexico, but it's relatively unlikely. I had some bad luck in Monte Carlo and Sweden. Of course, it looks bad when you have two poor results in a row, especially at the start of the season. However, I am trying to stay optimistic and I'm sure that things will go better for me now. The trophies will only be handed out at the end of the season! I'm hoping that the weekend goes smoothly in Mexico."

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
"Although things didn't go as planned for us in Sweden, I'm pleased with the season so far. Now we are off to Mexico - this rally is a great event and I am looking forward to driving on gravel again. Compared to last year, there are a few new special stages. "Guanajuato" on Sunday is 80 kilometres long. That will be a big challenge for us and also for the Polo R WRC. It is important to keep your energy levels up, to ensure that you can concentrate over such a long distance. I have never driven such a long special stage, but Anders and I are looking forward to it. The mountain air in Mexico is also a unique challenge. We are going to arrive early so that we have enough time to acclimatise ourselves."

Number for the rally weekend in Mexico: 170

The Rally Mexico marks Miikka Anttila's 170th outing as a co-driver in the World Rally Championship. This sees him become the third-most-experienced co-driver in rally history, after Denis Giraudet (181 starts) and Stephane Prevot (173). Anttila will overtake one of the sporting greats in Mexico Daniel Elena, Sebastien Loeb's co-driver, who has 169 starts in the WRC to his name. If Anttila goes on to contest the next eleven rallies in 2016, his total number of starts will also be 181 - the same number as Denis Giraudet. Incidentally, Miikka Anttila has contested 155 rallies alongside Jari-Matti Latvala.

Entry List

Posted: February 19, 2016 7:30 AM

Mexico - 4-6 Mar 16 - ENTRY LIST

No 36: Killian Duffy replaces Marshall Clarke

80 Km Final Stage Planned

Posted: December 8, 2015 6:58 AM

The event itinerary shows an 80km final stage.

Rally Guide / Event Website:

Posted: December 8, 2015 6:57 AM

Rally Mexico

Mexico - 4-6 Mar 16