2011 WRC Rally Mexico

[olschl]

I am looking to try and get to Rally Mexico this March, from Tulsa, OK, and was wondering if there were any forum regulars from the Guanajuato area that might provide input on accommodations, vehicle rental, pre-paid tours, etc.

[Eugenio Perea]

Hi, I'm not from Guanajuato, but I am on the Organizing Committee. There's a lot of the information you need on the website http://www.rallymexico.com Let me know if you need anything beyond what's published there.

Cheers,

Eugenio Perea

[ProRally]

I am looking to try and get to Rally Mexico this March, from Tulsa, OK, and was wondering if there were any forum regulars from the Guanajuato area that might provide input on accommodations, vehicle rental, pre-paid tours, etc.

I am not fro Guanajuato but I have been to the event many times and also will go this year.

There is a direct flight from Houston to Leon with Continental Express
Hotel, lots of choice, go via the organizers , or via booking websites...
Tour ? Check with the organizers
Rental car ? bit tricky but also via the booking websites....

[Motorsportfun]

Any detailed news from the Opening Stage???

[Eugenio Perea]

Any detailed news from the Opening Stage???

Hi, there's some info here http://www.rallymexico.com/content.php?page=opening_stage but nothing you might call 'detailed', yet. What exactly did you want to know? Perhaps I can help.

Cheers,

Eugenio Perea
Communications
Rally Mexico

[jbmarcus21]

Rally Mexico 2011 Google Earth Map is out http://bit.ly/eEro30

[tolis]

According to the official website, the entry list will be published tomorrow. ;)

[pantealex]

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2011/Pages/wrc_entries_mex.aspx

1loeb
2ogier
3hirvonen
4latvala
5henning
6östberg
7villagra
9kuipers
43block

[rallyfiend]

No Kimi.

His experience last year must have really put him off!

[N.O.T]

maybe sales of redbulls in Mexico are good enough so they do not need their personal advertisment slave for that country.... and i guess the 45 billions he made last year are not enough for him to make the entry possible for the sport he loves and is here to conquer....oh well at least we can hope for wilson.

[Allar]

First stage is run underground? in tunnels?
This engine sound would be greate!


No Kimi.

His experience last year must have really put him off!

Does Kimi do manufactuere championships aswell? this list is manufacture championships only.

[mm1]

Not to start it all over again, just ignore.

[Motorsportfun]

First stage is run underground? in tunnels?
This engine sound would be greate!

Yeah, the SS1 will be run in the former mines of Guanajuato... take a look to Google Street View! =)

[PLuto]

Here you can find some pictures and videos from this tunnel - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=11493 (article was written 1,5 months ago)

[Motorsportfun]

Hi, there's some info here http://www.rallymexico.com/content.php?page=opening_stage but nothing you might call 'detailed', yet. What exactly did you want to know? Perhaps I can help.

Cheers,

Eugenio Perea
Communications
Rally Mexico

I'd like to know exactly where the underground stage will pass... I saw on Google StreetView that there are some places quite narrow!

[StevieWonder]

some hints from my side (was there in 2007):

- if you plan to go from Mexico City to Lèon, it´s about 3 hours driving - try to stay South of Lèon during the event (near Poliforum)
- Shakedown: good place to watch cars would be from village center ´San Juan de Otates´about 1km in direction to finish - left downhill to right uphill junction
- be in Guanjuato in time - we were there 2 hours before, but already too late - roads are very confusing and crowded there
- enjoy Rally Mexico: very friendly people, good beer, good steaks - what do you want more ;-)

[Eugenio Perea]

It starts right in front of the Alhóndiga, where the Ceremonial Start usually is (or the 2nd stop of the Ceremonial Start, rather. It changes from year to year). It goes directly into the tunnels right there, and yes, it's narrow : ) It's going to be LOUD.

[alleskids]

Does Kimi do manufactuere championships aswell? this list is manufacture championships only.

Kimi Raikkonen/ ICE 1 racing is a manufacturer entry, but Mexico/Argentina /Australia are not on his kalender. And still no Petter Solberg (World Rally Team) in the manufacturer entry?!

[jonas_mcrae]

Hello Olschl

Im not from the Guanajuato area but I´ve been to the rally 6 times and I am mexican so I know my way around quite well.

Getting into Leon is quite easy, as someone else mentioned there is a direct flight from houston with continental, also I think there is one from Dallas with American Airlines but Im not sure if its still running. You can also fly to Mexico City and then drive (4 hours) or fly to Guadalajara and then drive to Leon (about 2 hours). I would not recommend driving all the way from the US right now, It would take you at least a day and roads are quite dangerous at the moment up north, so I would say no.

On accomodation, I've tried different things during the years but I find it better, cheaper and nicer to stay near the town centre. Hotels near the polyfirum (service park) get booked months in advance and even if you find a room, pricing will be ridiculous (for mexico prices), as these dates always have great demand. If you still want to stay near the service park there is a very nice Cityexpress hotel which I think has fixed prices most of the year, (around 80 dolars per night). There is also a hampton inn, but I guess the Holiday Inn and other hotels near by are already fully booked. My choice is Hotel Rex, just next to the main square in Leon, its an old hotel but the top floors have been refurbished recently so they are quite good, prices are really good as well, and its only about 10 minutes away from service. (check out their website http://www.hotelrealrex.com/uno.htm). I find being next to the main square a plus, as there are more things to do and better places to eat at, after a long day at the stages.

About vehicle rental there should be no trouble with that. Budget, Alamo and other companies have agencies in Leon and at the airport and prices for compact cars are quite good, specially if you book in advance. Just beware of the roads, If you can book a small SUV or a Pick Up, you will have a much better rally than with a compact...

As far as I know, pre paid tours are not available in Mexico, during the years I've met people in tours from France, Belgium, Germany and the UK, but none of them with a local company.

My advice would be, fly into leon, rent a car and go for it. The rally guide is quite good and if you have a GPS you will have no trouble finding your way around the stages. The street stage and ceremonial start is in Guanajuato, about an hour away from leon, in the past few years it has been very crowded, and now with a stage running through the historic city and the tunels, my guess is that is that crowds will increase, get there early!

A few tips: plan the stages you want to see with plenty of time in between, some roads can be in quite a bad state so it will take some time to get there.
Carry plenty of liquids and some food, some stges have taco stands and sell corona, but this is not the rule
Print a few maps from the rally guide, they are usually quite good
Buy your tickets for the street stage and service park online, it can be a pain buying them once you arrive.

other than that, hope you have a great rally, enjoy the stages, the food and the beer.

I will be there from thursday to sunday, and will have media accreditation, if you need any help, let me know or PM me.



offtopic: I thought Petter was doing all rounds...??

[Fri]

Nice job Jonas!
I think, Mexico Rally is one of the best event in the season!

[jonas_mcrae]

Thanks Fri, what a great event we had last year, see you in march!

[alleskids]

offtopic: I thought Petter was doing all rounds...??

Petter is planning to do all rounds, but he is not secured of the necessary budegt, so he is probarly not acting as a manufacturer team, because if he fails in doing the last rallies, it will cost him money due to FIA sanctions. So Petter will only do the WRc as an individual driver

[PLuto]

If I can recommend, the best way from Europe is direct flight from Paris to Mexico City and then by car or by another plane to Leon. I would like to return back to Mexico once again...

[jonas_mcrae]

If I can recommend, the best way from Europe is direct flight from Paris to Mexico City and then by car or by another plane to Leon. I would like to return back to Mexico once again...

As far as I know there are also direct flights from Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Madrid and Barcelona. But dont fly Iberia, horrible service!

[tolis]

What about the entry list?

[Eugenio Perea]

Entry list is up! http://www.rallymexico.com/content.php?page=official%20Notice%20Board

[Mirek]

Is it final? Only 25 cars?

Nice to see Novikov back but that's all about positives :(

[Eugenio Perea]

Yes, 25 only. The WRC is in the middle of a rebuilding process, and the future with Mini, Hyundai, VW, etc. looks bright, so we're not TOO concerned, but we would certainly like a few more.

[Josti]

Yes, 25 only. The WRC is in the middle of a rebuilding process, and the future with Mini, Hyundai, VW, etc. looks bright, so we're not TOO concerned, but we would certainly like a few more.

I'm more worried about the lack of interest from privateers. WRC teams HAVE to participate.

25 is a record low, obviously something wrong there.

[Francis44]

WRC and Rally in general are becoming more and more an European sport, and that's something I really wouldn't like to see.

Most of the drivers, Teams, and Manufacters associated to the Sport are European, or atleast they are focusing on European Market, and that I think is closing the championship.

Most drivers choose European rounds because they're cheaper, if they live in Europe of course, the locals from Mexico and Argentina for example dont even bother to participate in their home rally because they wont be able to compete with European top drivers since they simply wont be there.

[bluuford]

Yes, 25 only. The WRC is in the middle of a rebuilding process, and the future with Mini, Hyundai, VW, etc. looks bright, so we're not TOO concerned, but we would certainly like a few more.

Is there national event running beside the WRC again? Is there eny entry list for that?

[Eugenio Perea]

One of the things that have always been a challenge for us is our spot on the calendar. Being so early in the season means we are usually the first to face new rule changes. It happened with Flexi-service, with SuperRally, with WRC Cup and a host of other evolutions to the Championship. It's happening again with the new cars. Allow me to copy/paste some information Martin Holmes sent me today:


"Welcome to a new year that brings a welter of changes to the sport and most of all to the world rally championship. The most significant and biggest change in the WRC is the new formula for cars! The successful 14 year old rules for 2-litre turbocharged car, the flagship of the sport, have gone and world rally cars must now be physically smaller and powered by 1.6-litre turbo engines, fitted with direct injection systems. The new generation World Rally Cars must be used by the top level teams and the lower level privateer teams as well. Older generation World Rally Cars, along with other cars running in the A8 class, will no longer be eligible to run in any FIA championship events and are being moved to whichever countries will permit them in their national championship events. Meanwhile Super 2000 cars fitted with atmospheric 2-litre engines which have been already homologated can continue to run in the world and other regional championship events, but all new Super 2000s must be fitted with 1.6-litre turbo direct injection engines, like the World Rally Cars. The engines in the new Super 2000 cars, except for very minor technical differences to the flywheel are now the same as used in World Rally Cars. The WRC cars use a 33mm turbo restrictor. On world rallies S2000 versions can do the same but must use a smaller restrictor on regional and other events.

The second major change is the realignment of classes within FIA championship rallies, all part of the continued transition from the old Group A and Group N categories into the new Group R. No fewer than 22 different categories of cars are now eligible to take part on world rallies, divided into 11 separate classes in championship rallies and ten (all except World Rally Cars) in regional rallies. These 22 categories have been matched so that comparable cars compete against each other, even if some are Group A or Group N cars and some are Group R cars. There are two new categories. One is the R4 category, for cars that used to be Class N4 cars (Mitsubishis and Subarus) but now in uprated form, aimed at making them more competitive against Super 2000 cars. The other is the RGT class, is for GT cars, the rules for which are still in the process of being defined." It is inevitable that such drastic changes (22 categories!) cause genuine uncertainty in privateers. We'll probably see an upsurge of competitors in World Rallies within three months. WRC Academy, for instance, is filling up very quickly, and that will fill up the ranks and provide a great show.

Where Josti is absolutely correct is regarding privateers in Canada, USA, Mexico and Central America. We need to ramp up our efforts to promote the local-rules version of the rally, the Rally America. Rally Team for Dreams would have rounded up all their funding if we had done promoted the rally early enough. That's something we're going to focus on for 2012.

[Eugenio Perea]

I should learn to post faster. Francis44 and bluuford are spot on.

[Xsara Fan]

Some words from Novikov: http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4607/

[Motorsportfun]

It starts right in front of the Alhóndiga, where the Ceremonial Start usually is (or the 2nd stop of the Ceremonial Start, rather. It changes from year to year). It goes directly into the tunnels right there, and yes, it's narrow : ) It's going to be LOUD.

Great job, guys! It's gonna be thrilling and soooo exciting for all of us! :) Can't wait!!

[OldF]

He, he. I listened yesterday to Total Rally broadcast from last week where Gerard Quinn was interviewed. When the talk got to young drivers and Novikov was mentioned to drive a Ford Fiesta WRC, Gerard Quinn’s answer was “That’s new to me”. :D

[jonas_mcrae]

Eugenio, so, no rally america concept this year?

[Eugenio Perea]

Yes! See here (http://www.caf.com.mx/?p=160) for more info and here (http://www.caf.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/RA_ForeignDrivers2011.pdf) (pdf) for foreign crews. For 2012 we really need to promote it much earlier and with a lot more drive.

[jonas_mcrae]

nice, thanks Eugenio!

When will the entry list for rally america be realeased?

Wasnt aware the entry for mexican drivers was so cheap! 10,000 pesos (about 850 USD) for entry, recce, 7 nights in a hotel, and space at service park is extremely good value! If the prices stay like that I might do it next year!

And for foreigners the price is very good as well 2,500 USD, including transport from the border is great value as well.

By the way eugenio could you send me more details about specs for entries in rally america? safety, tyres, etc...

[Eugenio Perea]

The entry list will be released on Friday, but some names I've heard are Simon Wright, Andrew Frick, Bryan Gottlieb, Robb Rill and the inimitable William Caswell. (Did I misspell any of those?)

The categories are generally the same allowed in the Mexican and U.S. rally championships.

It's a very good value, and with some work I'm sure we can get the event to a very respectable level. I mean, all the infrastructure of a world-class event is there, we could do worse than to use it and turn this into our yearly North American Rally Meetup. I'll bring the sun and the beer!

[jonas_mcrae]

ok, great to hear Caswell will be back, so at least the entry will go up to 30 or a few more if we can count on some more locals

[Xsara Fan]

He, he. I listened yesterday to Total Rally broadcast from last week where Gerard Quinn was interviewed. When the talk got to young drivers and Novikov was mentioned to drive a Ford Fiesta WRC, Gerard Quinn’s answer was “That’s new to me”. :D

It`s between Wilson and Novikov ;)

[jonas_mcrae]

any news on the rally america entries?

[Eugenio Perea]

I just stole this link from the Facebook page of the President of our rally club: https://s-hphotos-ash1.fbcdn.net/181903_10150099702100025_663655024_6612816_6568573 _n.jpg

[jonas_mcrae]

Thanks eugenio, an other 14 entries sound great, this will make the rally more enjoyable and the entry list better looking!!

[tolis]

Approved Entry list published: http://rallymexico.com/Official/EntryListApprovedMx11.pdf

[noel157]

Look forward to seeing Kruuda and Tanak out in S2Ks. Have they been out yet in the cars in national events?

[tolis]

Look forward to seeing Kruuda and Tanak out in S2Ks. Have they been out yet in the cars in national events?
Kruuda not yet. Tanak finished second this weekend in Sarma rally, 1 sec behind Georg Gross in a Focus WRC.

[6789]

Juho will be a good measuring stick for Ott and other S2000 drivers.

[kobefly]

This rally means the return of countryman Federico Villagra and Munchi's Rally Team :)
I wonder if "El Coyote" can have better pace with this new Ford Fiesta car.

[J.Lindstroem]

I did'nt know Östberg was on the list. Does anyone know what the plan is for him this season? Not the whole season right?

[tolis]

I did'nt know Östberg was on the list. Does anyone know what the plan is for him this season? Not the whole season right?
He'll do 9 events this year, for sure.

[Woodeye]

Really surprised to see only 25 cars in a rally event. It's not going to be really long event to see all the cars passing by.

On the other hand, I'm happy to see representative from the rally here in forums giving details. Good job guys and happy to see you here Eugenio! :up:

[Eugenio Perea]

My pleasure, thanks for the thumbs up. Any organisation that wants to remain relevant these days MUST be in direct contact with clients, fans, friends and foes alike. I recently completed an interview in Gearbox Magazine that touches on those points. Brian Driggs there did an awesome job with the pictures and the editing. You should check it out here: http://rally.gearboxmagazine.com/2011/01/eugenio-perea-wrc-mexico/

[Barreis]

Can't wait for another rally..

[jonas_mcrae]

Add 14 entries from rally america to those 25

[Plan9]

This rally means the return of countryman Federico Villagra and Munchi's Rally Team :)
I wonder if "El Coyote" can have better pace with this new Ford Fiesta car.

I hope so too, I'm sure we may see the "Mads" effect from privateers several times this year...
By the way why do you think Villagra hasn't got more events this year? I am a fan also and I think that he was a better candidate for a full season that Matt Wilson...

[gloomyDAY]

Puro pinche party!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this year. Rally Mexico is so much fun, and I hate the fact that I'll be training for the Army while you're watching cars speed through the tunnels. Those tunnels are pretty narrow, so I hope there's a plan to get them out if one car gets stuck. Man, that whole city is going to get LOUD!

I love Rally Mexico. Viva Mexico cabrones!

[kobefly]

I hope so too, I'm sure we may see the "Mads" effect from privateers several times this year...
By the way why do you think Villagra hasn't got more events this year? I am a fan also and I think that he was a better candidate for a full season that Matt Wilson...I do not know the reason why, I guess the answer is logistics since I see he is missing Jordan and Australia (besides Sweden, but since it is snow it is understandable and Rally GB don't know why).
It is a shame that even running 9 events he cannot skip asphalt rallies and take Jordan, Australia and GB instead that would suit him much better.
There are no asphalt rallies in South America, he has no experiencies other than when he drives in WRC on that surface.

[Plan9]

I do not know the reason why, I guess the answer is logistics since I see he is missing Jordan and Australia (besides Sweden, but since it is snow it is understandable and Rally GB don't know why).
It is a shame that even running 9 events he cannot skip asphalt rallies and take Jordan, Australia and GB instead that would suit him much better.
There are no asphalt rallies in South America, he has no experiencies other than when he drives in WRC on that surface.

Do you know what his car will look like this year? How big is the Munchi's tema anyway? (poplularity,wealth in Argentina?)

[Mirek]

It's already posted in video thread but I think it should be here also. Spectacular HD video of Hänninen's test by Ellegy: http://www.cricketsfilm.com/ellegyhdchannel/

[hari]

It's already posted in video thread but I think it should be here also. Spectacular HD video of Hänninen's test by Ellegy: http://www.cricketsfilm.com/ellegyhdchannel/

Impressive driving.
Looking forward to see Juhos pace on mexican stages at high altitude against the new WRCs.

[A.F.F.]

Impressive driving.
Looking forward to see Juhos pace on mexican stages at high altitude against the new WRCs.

:up:

[kobefly]

Do you know what his car will look like this year? How big is the Munchi's tema anyway? (poplularity,wealth in Argentina?)
I live in Buenos Aires (capital city of Argentina) and here rally is not popular at all so I cannot answer that question. I am not sure how popular is Villagra/Munchi's in Córdoba where WRC event takes place with huge crowds of fans of this discipline.
I have not seen the Munchi's livery for 2011 yet. This is Villagra's Ford Fiesta for Argentinian Rally Championship for this season. However, the sponsors are not the same and I guess the cars will not look alike.
http://www.villagraracing.com.ar/Fotos/Fotos%20index/2011/Fiesta%20Kinetic%20Maxi%20Rally%20512.jpg

[alleskids]

Villagra drives a Fiesta WRcar in the Argentina championship or a S2000 Fiesta?

[rp]

Villagra drives a Fiesta WRcar in the Argentina championship or a S2000 Fiesta?

I think Villagra´s Fiesta will be Argentina´s own Maxi Rally Class car...

"The basic idea is, regardless of the make of car, the engine, gearbox and rear differential will all be the same. A naturally aspirated Honda 2.4 litre four cylinder has been selected as the engine, and produces around 280 HP in race trim. The power is then put to the ground via a, wait for it, Subaru 6MT transmission using Modena sequential internals. A Subaru R180 has then been the natural selection for the rear differential."

[Co-driven]

Yes, he'll drive the Fiesta under the Maxi Rally specification.

[Barreis]

Thin entry list..

[ZequeArgentina]

Yep, Villagra and most of Argentinean drivers have turned to our own Maxi Rally class.
This will have another not so good aspect, Argentinean round of the WRC will suffer lack of our drivers, except Villagra, off course. The rest will take part of the national round, not counting for the wrc, so running after all wrc starters and not in official classification, they will only do first passes for each stage.

<regarding Munchis an popularity, not at all, no news on them and no real followers, just Perez Companc hobby.
Villagras drives quite strage in WRC, slow but not even safer than in national championship (he has very few crashes in his career).

lets wait for Mexico, Novikov return is for sure more interesting for me!!, but i am one of the fewto folow Villagras pace.

[Plan9]

I started to like Villagra seriously after I went the rally NZ last year. I saw him on the special stage around the auckland museum and I thought he was very smooth away form the line and took all the corners very well. I have a feeling that he is actually quite fast in the wrc car but he is made to slow down for one reason or another. Also I really like drivers that do not crash as I think it looks bad for expensive cars like the wrc cars to be ruined on tv, I do not want wrc to look like f1 has in recent years

[Catiocha7]

Was the official entrylist published ?

[kobefly]

Was the official entrylist published ?

Yes...

1) Hirvonen (Ford)
2) Ostberg (Ford)
3) Latvala (Ford)
4) Ogier (Citroen)
5) Solberg, P. (Citroen)
6) Loeb (Citroen)
7) Wilson (Ford)
8) Solberg, H. (Ford)
9) Villagra (Ford)
10) Kuipers (Ford)
11) Block (Ford)
12) Novikov (Ford)

[Mirek]

I hope that Evgeny won't crash into Ken Block...

[Eugenio Perea]

We haven't published it yet, but it hasn't changed: http://www.rallymexico.com/contentEs.php?page=official%20Notice%20Board

[N.O.T]

those tourist wrc drivers are going to suffer in the hands of Hanninen and his skoda....

[jonas_mcrae]

Just heard that the organisers and the local government have finished giving maintenance to the stages and access roads and now are in top condition. I was also told by a friend that the watersplashes have very little water because it hasnt rained lately, so no worries about water messing with the cooling system, HOWEVER It seems that the lack of water has uncovered some big stones, hope there are no problems on that front.

[Eugenio Perea]

I'm just hoping Sébastien Loeb takes car of his car on Shakedown. There's no chance of crossing the start ramp on foot this year, with the first stage starting at the Ceremonial Start!

[Karukera]

No problem i guess, Matt Wilson being right behind Loeb in the starting list, he will push him through.
Speaking about Matt Wilson, one of their last victims, i was wondering how the Mexican organizer would deal with the local jerks throwing stones at drivers, will they be caught by the police (live on TV) and sentenced with 60 years in prison ?

[Eugenio Perea]

If it were up to me, I would charge them with attempted murder. Throwing a 500 gram rock at a car that's travelling at 160 kph is as bad as trying to shoot someone. The problem is catching them in the act. I'm hoping that more spectators will help us eliminate that problem for good. 2010 was clean. I'm praying we get the same this year.

[RS]

those tourist wrc drivers are going to suffer in the hands of Hanninen and his skoda....

Yes.. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Juho set some outright fastest times this year under the right conditions (ie. swept gravel or drying asphalt stages)

[Mirek]

I don't think we'll see something that crazy in Mexico. It's too high for naturally aspirated engines.

[ProRally]

A weather update for Leon area ? .....

[Eugenio Perea]

Well, I'm not there yet, but I'm not packing a cardigan! : ) It's very probably sunny and warm.

[bluuford]

+24..29 degrees during the days during most of the rally week (however, temperatures over +30 degrees during the midday are real possibility). Sunny, calm until Thursday, then some wind pics up-so no dust problems.
+11..+16 during the nights, Tuesday night might be colder (+8..+13). Saturday night colder and more clouds as well (+7...+12 degrees). Sunday is too far to call yet. Might be colder and cloudier than the other days (max temp +18..+22 degrees).

So, very warm during the day and chilly during the nights and mornings.. Like a proper desert.

[Xsara Fan]

First photos from Leon & Service Park here: http://www.almrally.ru/novosti-wrc/info/4757/

[PLuto]

Colin Clark make a "photo walkthrough" through first city stage - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=11832

[6789]

Rally Mexico Betting Odds:

Sebastien Loeb 1.65
Mikko Hirvonen 5.00
Petter Solberg 7.00
Sebastian Ogier 9.00
Jari-Matti Latvala 9.00
Mads Ostberg 21.00
Henning Solberg 26.00
Juho Hanninen 51.00
Matthew Wilson 201.00
Evgeny Novikov 201.00
Ken Block 501.00
Dennis Kuipers 501.00


http://www.sportingbet.com.au/#&&s=Sports-Motor+Sport-Rally+of+Mexico-Rally+of+Mexico+-+Race+Winner-2075446

[N.O.T]

bet the house on novikov....

[A.F.F.]

Nice to see these cars on gravel :)

[urabus-denoS2000]

It's really funny to see that Novikov has the same odds as Matt does . Novikov theoretically has the speed and the "wow" effect , and in some small percentage he has a chance for victory . Wilson on the other hand is really bad in every aspect , son he doesn't even have theoretical chances :D

[pettersolberg29]

It's really funny to see that Novikov has the same odds as Matt does . Novikov theoretically has the speed and the "wow" effect , and in some small percentage he has a chance for victory . Wilson on the other hand is really bad in every aspect , son he doesn't even have theoretical chances :D

With Novikov's road position I can see him in the top 3 at the end of Day 1 if:
a) he doesn't crash
b) the Fiesta is better than the Focus at altitude

[Eugenio Perea]

The cars look even better in person. They're both beautiful, purposeful machines. I'm liking them more and more.

[J.Lindstroem]

50 seconds stage? Thats a little bit short i have to say! =)

[Rallyper]

Those mickey-mouse stages are *******s. Like Bjorn Waldegard used to say: "You cant win anything, just loose everything on them".

[Motorsportfun]

50 seconds stage? Thats a little bit short i have to say! =)

It's a city stage, and in some parts it's also underground in the tight old tunnels!

[kobefly]

Question for those who really know about this sport... was there any stage under 60" in the history of WRC?

[A.F.F.]

The cars look even better in person. They're both beautiful, purposeful machines. I'm liking them more and more.

:up:

[Iskald]

I hope so too, I'm sure we may see the "Mads" effect from privateers several times this year...
By the way why do you think Villagra hasn't got more events this year? I am a fan also and I think that he was a better candidate for a full season that Matt Wilson...

It sounds like you think that the "Mads effect", as you call it, was some sort of one-off performance?
And I hope that you are not seriously comparing the huge talent and car control of Mads Østberg with the restricted gentleman/journeyman driver abilities of Federico Villagra...

[jonas_mcrae]

well, the street stage at least looks like more fun (both for drivers and spectators) than the SSS which I really dislike I gues its also good for the cameras and sponsors, which really is the only justification for mickey mouse stages. A little bit like the street stage in germany. I'm just hoping no one crashes into a roundabout like Sordo did in Cyprus...

[bluuford]

I think that it is one of the shortest SSS but it will be one of the greatest SSS-s ever. Imagine the sound! People are standing on the bridges and on the sides of the walls and car is coming from the tunnel.. and a lot of spectators. great:-)

[Motorsportfun]

I think that it is one of the shortest SSS but it will be one of the greatest SSS-s ever. Imagine the sound! People are standing on the bridges and on the sides of the walls and car is coming from the tunnel.. and a lot of spectators. great:-)

Totally agree!

[jonas_mcrae]

found some pics

http://twitpic.com/44ioa8

[bluuford]

Short Video of Kruuda testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPevWIrjKus&feature=youtube_gdata

[jliivak]

Maybe a better link of Kruudas testing http://www.youtube.com/user/Fenules

[Fri]

Some pics from service park:
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/02_mexico/01_szerda_fri/index.htm

[Xsara Fan]

New photos from Mexico here: http://www.almrally.ru/news-command/info/4764/

[Xsara Fan]

Photos from 'M-Sport Ford Happy Hour' and service-park here: http://www.almrally.ru/news-command/info/4767/

[euskalteam]

Any SD times?

[Xsara Fan]

Today`s news in English:

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4771/

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4773/

[Rallyper]

Mexico is GMT -6.00 hrs. So the time by now should be 08.30 CET.

SD results should be on it´s way.

[Juha_Koo]

Today`s news in English:

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4771/

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4773/

Novikov's Fiesta looks so damn beautiful! Sexy little machine. :D

[pantealex]

Some pics from service park:
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/02_mexico/01_szerda_fri/index.htm

Michelin´s in every car!

No Dmacks this time, Prokop has Michelin´s too

[Co-driven]

Novikov's Fiesta looks so damn beautiful! Sexy little machine. :D

Indeed, Novikov's car looks great!!

Does anyone knows if today's stage on the streets of Guanajuato will be shown live?

[Fide]

shakedown chronos ?

[garais22]

shakedown chronos ?
I found this: Shakedown Mexico Henn 2:02.5 Hirv 2:02.6 Pett 2:02.7 Loeb 2:02.8 Latv 2:03.2 Raik 2:04.5 Ogie 2:05.3

But If I understand correct, then Raikkonen didn`t start in Mexico...
Then what is Raik???

[nr7wave]

I found this: Shakedown Mexico Henn 2:02.5 Hirv 2:02.6 Pett 2:02.7 Loeb 2:02.8 Latv 2:03.2 Raik 2:04.5 Ogie 2:05.3

But If I understand correct, then Raikkonen didn`t start in Mexico...
Then what is Raik???

Those are the shakedown times from Rally Sweden this year.

[wildsir]

With Novikov's road position I can see him in the top 3 at the end of Day 1 if:</p></p>




a) he doesn't crash</p></p>




b) the Fiesta is better than the Focus at altitude</p></p>


if he makes it through SD!</p>

[Co-driven]

I found some pictures on twitter:

http://yfrog.com/h48v1sj

http://yfrog.com/h413uhaj

http://yfrog.com/gzqqdbtj

http://yfrog.com/h7am6lzj

Still couldn't find any Shakedown times...

[garais22]

Those are the shakedown times from Rally Sweden this year.
Nice :D
I just copy from this:
(Twitter)

VMMotorsport (https://twitter.com/#%21/VMMotorsport) VanMerksteijnMotorsp by rallynews



Shakedown Mexico Henn 2:02.5 Hirv 2:02.6 Pett 2:02.7 Loeb 2:02.8 Latv 2:03.2 Raik 2:04.5 Ogie 2:05.3 #wrc (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23wrc) #rallymexico (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23rallymexico) #rally (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23rally)

4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/#%21/VMMotorsport/status/43307265444421632) Favorite (https://twitter.com/#) Retweet (https://twitter.com/#) Reply (https://twitter.com/#)

[sp0+]

Let's hope that the flow of information across the Atlantic will improve through the next hours because till now things are very disappointing....

[dimviii]

wrc have nothing about shakedown......!@#$$%%^&

[Rallyper]

How hard can it be to treat times from SD like the way the do the reports from ordinary stages.

WRC has to shape up their behavour and routines!

[paddocknews]

@citroenracing - Shakedown. Few minutes before the end: Ogier 2:51:7, P. Solberg 2:51:9, Loeb 2:52:9…

[dimviii]

How hard can it be to treat times from SD like the way the do the reports from ordinary stages.

WRC has to shape up their behavour and routines!

I really cant understant that they cant,THEY DONT WANT TO DO IT.
Anybody with an excuse about not mentioning sd times at their site??????????????

[muscrae]

SD Times:
OGIER (4) 2:51.7
SOLBERG P. (4) 2:51.9
LOEB (4) 2:52.9
LATVALA (4) 2:53.3
OSTBERG (5) 2:55.3
HIRVONEN (4) 2:55.9
VILLAGRA (4) 2:56.4
WILSON (5) 2:56.6
NOVIKOV (5) 2:59.2
BLOCK (4) 3:02.4
SOLBERG H. (2) 3:03.0
AL-ATTIYAH (1) 3:06.9
HÄNNINEN (2) 3:07.2
PROKOP (1) 3:13.7
KUIPERS (1) 3:23.3

[Rallyfanbv]

Is that any chance to see live the first super special stage?

[sp0+]

So, the Citroens really show some pace in the first timing of the rally, which seems promising in terms of competition.. :)

[kobefly]

Villagra doing very well in shakedown.
Hope this pumps his confidence for the competition.

[Mirek]

Different times from Petter's web:

Ogier, Citroën 2.51,7
Petter, Citroën 2.51,9
Loeb, Citroën +2.52,9
Latvala, Ford +2.53,3
Ostberg, Ford +2.55,3
Wilson, Ford +2.55,5
Hirvonen, Ford +2.55,9
Villagra, Ford +2.56,4
Novikov, Ford 2.56,5
Henning, Ford +2.57,7

[nr7wave]

Read on a norwegian rally-site that the shakedown had to be stopped due to spectators throwing stones in to the road :(
F***ing idiots! Some true rallyfans, right there...

[kobefly]

Read on a norwegian rally-site that the shakedown had to be stopped due to spectators throwing stones in to the road :(
F***ing idiots! Some true rallyfans, right there...At shakedown already? Cannot understand this. It is a short stage, aren't spectators controled?

[6789]

Read on a norwegian rally-site that the shakedown had to be stopped due to spectators throwing stones in to the road :(
F***ing idiots! Some true rallyfans, right there...
Dickheads!!! :@

Can't belive its so hard to find shakedown times..

[Bobcat]

Solberg has shakedown incident http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89724

[tolis]

http://www.wrc.com/news/ogier-fastest-in-mexico-shakedown/?fid=14221

[Co-driven]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89724

"Shakedown itself was paused for an hour while the organisers dealt with the high number of spectators.

Event director Patrick Suberville said: "There were too many spectators on two corners and [FIA safety delegate] Jacek Bartos said they must move positions before the test could continue. Naturally we agreed with this decision and obviously helped to get the spectators to stand in a safe area.

"We normally get a lot of spectators for the shakedown but normally at the start and finish of this stage. This time they were in other areas.""

[jbmarcus21]

Rally Mexico full program.. timetable, entrylist, mobile live results, google earth map http://bit.ly/eEro30

[Eugenio Perea]

I checked with Martin Holmes and yes, this is the shortest SS in WRC history!

[Fri]

pitures from the shakedown:
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/02_mexico/02_teszt_fri/index.htm

[RICARDO75]

pitures from the shakedown:
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/02_mexico/02_teszt_fri/index.htm

Great photos Frigyes

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SD Times:
OGIER (4) 2:51.7
SOLBERG P. (4) 2:51.9
LOEB (4) 2:52.9
LATVALA (4) 2:53.3
OSTBERG (5) 2:55.3
HIRVONEN (4) 2:55.9
VILLAGRA (4) 2:56.4
WILSON (5) 2:56.6
NOVIKOV (5) 2:59.2
BLOCK (4) 3:02.4
SOLBERG H. (2) 3:03.0
AL-ATTIYAH (1) 3:06.9
HÄNNINEN (2) 3:07.2
PROKOP (1) 3:13.7
KUIPERS (1) 3:23.3

Worrying for Ford, Mikko 4 sec off Ogier !! :eek:

[Xsara Fan]

Photos from Shakedown: http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/4778/

[pejda]

We have also some photos from Petr Lusk: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=1231&fotograf=2&all=1

[Motorsportfun]

Any streaming live??

[Co-driven]

Some nice videos of the shakedown on wrc.com

I think we'll only have the World Rally Radio...

[6789]

Solberg leads the rally. Good start so far

[Co-driven]

And Novikov on DMack tyres?

http://www.best-of-rallylive.com/en/live/classements-en-direct-live-time-position/

On this results, he is the only WRC driver withouth the Michelin logo...

[bluuford]

And Novikov on DMack tyres?

http://www.best-of-rallylive.com/en/live/classements-en-direct-live-time-position/

On this results, he is the only WRC driver withouth the Michelin logo...

There are michelin stickers on Novikov´s car.

[N.O.T]

well if i am right the real rally starts in about 6 hours from now....

[6789]

5 hours? I've been having problems with the timezones too lol

Good video from shakedown

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Rally-Mexico-preview-shakedown-Leon-2011/tabid/317/articleID/200893/Default.aspx

EDIT: 5 hours 45mins? :D

[N.O.T]

yes its now 3:11 at leon and the rally starts around 9:00 so 6 hours...give or take.

[N.O.T]

i use this site for the conversions...pretty convenient

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.

[6789]

i use this site for the conversions...pretty convenient

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.
Thanks been looking for something like that.. Starts at 1am here in AUS

[urabus-denoS2000]

Only manufacturer cars are with Michelin logo ;)

[vino_93]

What happened to Block ?

[bluuford]

Edison let him down

[6789]

Only manufacturer cars are with Michelin logo ;)

Electrical/mechanical and couldn't get the car to the start line

[N.O.T]

so he will miss the whole 1st day ? or he can start ?

[bluuford]

If he retires on SSS he can start for next section. So, he should start in SS2 that is approximately 4 hours from now.. if they can find some electricity;-)

[N.O.T]

the penalty for retiring at the super specials is again 3mins ? or they changed it ?

[OldF]

i use this site for the conversions...pretty convenient

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.

I use this one.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Timezones2010.png

[bluuford]

the penalty for retiring at the super specials is again 3mins ? or they changed it ?

45.2 PENALTIES
For all crews which restart a time penalty will be applied. This time penalty will be as follows:
45.2.1 For every stage or super special stage missed: 5 minutes.
45.2.2 However, should the first time a special stage or a super special stage that is missed be that run
as Section 1 when followed by an overnight regroup before Section 2 or the last stage before an overnight
regroup, the penalty will be 10 minutes. This 10 minute penalty can be applied only once in a rally.

So, +10 minutes for Ken

[Juha_Koo]

Looking at the Ford Mexico Preview video it looks like the onboard camera guys have finally found a way to attach a camera to the seat's "ear" which gives one of the all-time-best inboard angle IMHO. :)

http://juhake.kapsi.fi/motorsport/fiesta_onboard_angle_mexico.png

[OldF]

Maybe this could also be applied if he didn’t get to the time control and the engine is the reason.

63. MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

63.1 ENGINE REPLACEMENT - ALL COMPETITORS
63.1.1 In the case of engine failure between scrutineering and the first time control it is permitted to
replace the engine. In this case the engine must be re-sealed.
63.1.2 Other than above, the same engine block must be used from passing scrutineering until the
finish of the rally.

[Lundgaard]

"Looking at the Ford Mexico Preview video it looks like the onboard camera guys have finally found a way to attach a camera to the seat's "ear" which gives one of the all-time-best inboard angle IMHO."

Let's hope so! That will be the best news for enjoing the rally in a long time! Like in the old days.

[Brother John]

"Looking at the Ford Mexico Preview video it looks like the onboard camera guys have finally found a way to attach a camera to the seat's "ear" which gives one of the all-time-best inboard angle IMHO."

Let's hope so! That will be the best news for enjoing the rally in a long time! Like in the old days.

This video is just made with the recce car!

[dimviii]

cant wait :dozey:

[kobefly]

Day starts in a couple of hours. Finally a rally in which I don't get to follow the stages already started :P

Go Villagra!

[urabus-denoS2000]

Go Mad Mads & Medvěd Juho ! :D

[J.Lindstroem]

This video is just made with the recce car!

So Ford doesn't have the Volvo recce cars anymore?

[Juha_Koo]

This video is just made with the recce car!

I'm sorry? That video was from a race speed Fiesta. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3scYLRiLgI The scene is around two minutes.


So Ford doesn't have the Volvo recce cars anymore?

They still have them and they use them.

[J.Lindstroem]

I'm sorry? That video was from a race speed Fiesta. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3scYLRiLgI The scene is around two minutes.



They still have them and they use them.

Yeah thats what i was thinking...

[dimviii]

2 hours more?

[ZequeArgentina]

Not 2, just 1 more hour.

[dimviii]

Not 2, just 1 more hour.

Thanks Zeque!

[Eugenio Perea]

It wasn't a super special, just a normal special stage, so he gets 5 mins.

[bluuford]

It wasn't a super special, just a normal special stage, so he gets 5 mins.

No, the firt time the penalty applies it is always 10 minutes (when it is last stage of the section/day), so, it should be 10 minutes.

[ZequeArgentina]

it is the first overnight special, it should be 10 minutes, as I undestand the regulation Bluuford copied here.

[Eugenio Perea]

Right you are! 10 minutes it is!

[Brother John]

Yeah thats what i was thinking... OK I´m wrong.

[Fide]

12 minutes to go....

[N.O.T]

1st proper stage underway.... waiting for splits

[N.O.T]

yes...splits work...

[N.O.T]

only hirvonen has splits...

[jonkka]

Yeh, that's strange - or not, knowing wrc.com

[wwbroe]

Splits doesn't seem to work properly, again.... :(

[nr7wave]

Maybe they have extra long start intervals because of the dust? I see Østbergs splits now.

[pettersolberg29]

Ostberg started the stage later than expected so he has less splits.

[Mintexmemory]

Ostberg started the stage later than expected so he has less splits.
Will he incur a penalty?

[jonkka]

Mads not too fast

[Brother John]

Yes it is not well with the splits or has Citroën a new system and finished to fake the results?

[ZequeArgentina]

splits only on wrc.com? i am having problems with the site.

[pettersolberg29]

Will he incur a penalty?

Don't believe so. He was at the start line on time but started 8 mins late so it may be crowd issue or something.

[darkstar]

wow, östberg is really slow!

[bluuford]

Well, Ostberg has done only 1 hour of testing gravel with Fiesta, so it is too much to hope good time.

[dimviii]

splits only on wrc.com? i am having problems with the site.

Same with me.Only way to see splits is to go back at results,and then to go again at splits.Same problem as last 4-5 events...

[darkstar]

but he´s really loosing a lot...and the citroen´s are amazingly fast already...

[N.O.T]

the citroens fly...

[dimviii]

at second split Ogier -3,1 and Petter -2,7

[dimviii]

Loeb -4 at second split!

[dimviii]

With this rythm Loeb is going to gain about 18seconds from Mikko ....i think...

[Mintexmemory]

Suspect that sweeping really benefits the 5th place onwards

[Brother John]

This way the WRC cup 2011 have started?

[jonkka]

Cup?

[darkstar]

damn, it looks extremely bad for the ford´s now!

[N.O.T]

as expected the citroens are ahead...

[wwbroe]

Full top three for Citroen as expected.

[dimviii]

Loeb must have a moment or tyre issue at last split to finish?

[userwave]

Ogier was quick

we are seeing the benefits of gravel sweeping however.

[kobefly]

Villagra stopped at 10k :(

[bluuford]

There is a big jump at the end of stage. He usually takes big jumps very cautiously. Ogier is not so smart.That explains the big differences on the last split :-)

[Brother John]

Cup?

The Citroën championship 2011. WRC annoying again this year?

[dimviii]

Villagra stopped

[userwave]

The Citroën championship 2011. WRC annoying again this year?

lets hope not !

[A.F.F.]

Whoa..... 16 seconds behind....

[Juha_Koo]

Matthew over 30 seconds slower than the fastest time. :up:

[N.O.T]

WILSON M. / MARTIN S. "Not too bad. We were loosing little bit in the middle, where it was too twisty. Some rocks coming." from rally.cz

is he for real ???

[Doon]

The Citroën championship 2011. WRC annoying again this year?

Did you really think it would be any different? I know everyone is talking about altitude, but Portugal will be the same old story?

On the altitude issue, is it just since Ford have been using Pipo engines, because the 03-05 car was quick in mexico....and it won in 2004! So Ford haven't always been slow in Mexico!!

[nr7wave]

What happened with Henning?

[wwbroe]

Compared to Ostberg and especially Henning, the time of Wilson isn't so very bad.

[dimviii]

Did you really think it would be any different? I know everyone is talking about altitude, but Portugal will be the same old story?

On the altitude issue, is it just since Ford have been using Pipo engines, because the 03-05 car was quick in mexico....and it won in 2004! So Ford haven't always been slow in Mexico!!
2004 was before 7 years.

[wwbroe]

Villagra has nocked a wheel off his Fiesta, very quick finished for him.

[dimviii]

Compared to Ostberg and especially Henning, the time of Wilson isn't so very bad.

Wilson has clean road while Ostberg not.

[noel157]

And the mystery rumour is?
Manufacturer news?

[GINE]

Novokov slower than Block???? Block is very fast compared to the time of Henning, Wilson etc

[dimviii]

Hanninen seems that he had a good sleep yesterday - 1,5 sec at first split

[pantealex]

SS2 Sweden 24.63km
Hirvonen
Loeb +41.6s

SS2 Mexico 26.01km
Loeb
Hirvonen +15.3s

So, I think Hirvonen is not so bad!

[Fide]

SS2 Sweden 24.63km
Hirvonen
Loeb +41.6s

SS2 Mexico 26.01km
Loeb
Hirvonen +15.3s

So, I think Hirvonen is not so bad!


Don't see the relation between Sweden surface and Mexico gravel.... Then diferences makes no sense for me

[dimviii]

SS2 Sweden 24.63km
Hirvonen
Loeb +41.6s

SS2 Mexico 26.01km
Loeb
Hirvonen +15.3s

So, I think Hirvonen is not so bad!
we ll see at saturday how fast he is with clean road position.

[N.O.T]

SS2 Sweden 24.63km
Hirvonen
Loeb +41.6s

SS2 Mexico 26.01km
Loeb
Hirvonen +15.3s

So, I think Hirvonen is not so bad!


son...don't do that.....

[dimviii]

hanninen in low flight

[userwave]

what happened to Henning???

even Block was quicker

[N.O.T]

the guy who pays novikovs bill issues some new orders....i do not like them.

[pantealex]

son...don't do that.....

I believe that Citroen will be 1-2 in Mexico!

[dimviii]

hanninen f@cked

[Mirek]

Puncture for Juho?

[GINE]

Puncture for Juho?
must be

[Bobcat]

SS2 Sweden 24.63km
Hirvonen
Loeb +41.6s

SS2 Mexico 26.01km
Loeb
Hirvonen +15.3s

So, I think Hirvonen is not so bad!
+1 or the 2010 WRC Rally Mexico:

Alfaro 1 22,96 km

Hirvonen +22,0 with the Focus

[N.O.T]

I believe that Citroen will be 1-2 in Mexico!

thank you captain obvious...

[Mirek]

+1 or the 2010 WRC Rally Mexico:

Alfaro 1 22,96 km

Hirvonen +22,0 with the Focus

Was it snowing non-stop 48 hours before today's first stage?

[N.O.T]

he compared last years wrc car with the new ones....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just a quick reminder to to UK and other fans:

This weekend marks ESPN’s Free Weekend beginning at 06:00hrs on Friday 4 March and running until 06:00hrs on Monday 7 March.

It will make ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN America and ESPN America HD available to all Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk viewers in the UK, and to all UPC and Sky viewers in the Republic of Ireland.

http://www.wrc.com/news/espn-gives-u...nus/?fid=14205 (http://www.wrc.com/news/espn-gives-uk-wrc-fans-a-mexico-bonus/?fid=14205)

Great news that we have an alternative to the awful Motors TV coverage for this rally :)

[Rallyper]

well, of course you cant compare surfaces, and it hasn´t been snowing in Mexico lately what I can recall.

But still the roller bearing surface in Mexico is one of the most difficult to be number one in.

[Mirek]

he compared last years wrc car with the new ones....

I reacted to "+1". I should be more specific, sorry ;)

[N.O.T]

+1 or the 2010 WRC Rally Mexico:

Alfaro 1 22,96 km

Hirvonen +22,0 with the Focus


totally different stage though...only a small 5 km middle part is the same....

[Motorsportfun]

...and now let's have fun with Calvin Harris' Girls!

[dimviii]

+1 or the 2010 WRC Rally Mexico:

Alfaro 1 22,96 km

Hirvonen +22,0 with the Focus

With this results in 2010 Mikko finished 4th in 2010 1min 47 sec slower...If you expect to finish 3rd with 1 minute back,yes it is not so bad....

[pantealex]

...If you expect to finish 3rd with 1 minute back,yes it is not so bad....
+1

[Bobcat]

SS2 Alfaro 1 2011 Mexico 26,01 km
Hirvonen +15.8s

SS2 Alfaro 1 2010 Mexico 22,96 km
Hirvonen +22,0s

[GINE]

SS2 Alfaro 1 2011 Mexico 26,01 km
Hirvonen +15.8s

SS2 Alfaro 1 2010 Mexico 22,96 km
Hirvonen +22,0s

Next stage is the same as 2010??? Thne we can compare

[N.O.T]

its a different stage.....the second one is exactly the same so conclusions will be safer about the pace of mikko...