WRC Rally Mexico 2019

[AnttiL]

The route is published https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-M%C3%A9xico-2019

The power stage is the same as before, but shortened not to have the chicane anymore

[rayh_mx]

Route in PDF

https://www.rallymexico.com/en/competitors/

[Simmi]

Looking forward to doing Mexico this year. Something different after a lot of European rounds. Heading to the rally, spending a couple of days afterwards in Guanajuato and then heading to Florida the next week for Sebring 12 Hours.

Any tips welcome!

[rayh_mx]

You can visit several cities / towns near there. What I recommend is to visit what is called Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) of the state. These are places with contrasting cultures, between the prehispanic (our ancesters), the Spanish conquest and the modernity

Yuriria
Jalpa de Canovas
Salvatierra
Mineral de Pozos
Dolores Hidalgo

But, do not miss Guanajuato (stage 1) is beautiful, through the tunnels and downtown Leon (HQ), also in this city near the bus terminal you can buy many things made of leather, mainly shoes

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport Ford
Evans
Suninen
???

Hyundai
Neuville
Mikkelsen
Sordo

Toyota
Tänak
Latvala
Meeke

Citroën
Ogier
Lappi

Big question on M-Sport Ford, 2 cars? Tidemand? Breen?

[Andre Oliveira]

Ricardo Cordero in DS3 R5

[racerx1979]

Block wanted to do Mexico...

[Entertainer]

M-Sport Ford
Evans
Suninen
???

Hyundai
Neuville
Mikkelsen
Sordo

Toyota
Tänak
Latvala
Meeke

Citroën
Ogier
Lappi

Big question on M-Sport Ford, 2 cars? Tidemand? Breen?


Probably not Tidemand. Would be cool to see him in Chile, where every road is new to all the drivers.
Does Breen have the funding to go to Mexico?

[AnttiL]

A new El Brinco jump has been constructed with the cars flying up to 50 metres. It's situated on a different road so Meeke's corner is not driven now anymore.

https://www.rallymexico.com/2019/01/24/el-rally-guanajuato-corona-renovara-su-brinco/

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map is online : http://bit.ly/2E1h70N

[AnttiL]

Power stage chicane returned on the newest map version, just slightly earlier this time

[pantealex]

Entries are closed, entrylist should be out Thursday 14th, same day that WRC Sweden starts.

[fan2rally]

Hi all,

I'm new on the forum and planning to go to Mexico for the first time (though I have an extensive experience of European WRC). And I'm looking to get some advice, so local or experienced people, please PM me!

Jonathan

[AnttiL]

Entries, very small numbers. No extra WRC cars, only Pieniazek in WRC2Pro, four WRC2 cars.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dza_Q79U8AA0TMB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dza_SDuUcAUTopJ.jpg

[Oliverk]

pathetic

[EstWRC]

thats one helluva list!

[Allez Andruet]

I can't wait to find out which one of the local Mitsubishis is going to be faster.

[Andre Oliveira]

And no 3rd Ford

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/02/18/route-preview-rally-mexico-2019/

Here is my route preview. A lot of the route is the same as before. The key changes are running Las Minas already on Friday for the first time, making Sunday a 60 km day with no repeating stages within the day, although most of the road material will have been driven earlier in the rally. Mesa Cuata and El Brinco new endings are the only sections that were not driven last year. The super specials are the same as last year –*seven in total – with the Guanajuato Street Stage tunnel sections being shortened back to 2017 format.

[AnttiL]

Power stage chicane returned on the newest map version, just slightly earlier this time

Chicane removed again, but the tarmac part remains.

[EstWRC]

good decision, it was pointless

[AnttiL]

Press release day:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/wrc/rd03-preview.html
https://motorsport.hyundai.com/on-a-mission-in-mexico/

M-Sport and Citroen not published yet

Toyota says again they have worked hard with the cooling package...they said it last year as well...

[pantealex]

Toyota says again they have worked hard with the cooling package...they said it last year as well...

What else can they say ;)

I still believe that they will have problems...
Hopely not!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport:
We're geared up for gravel and want to deliver another strong performance as we swap icy forests for dusty mountains at next week's Rally Mexico.

➡️ Read more here: https://t.co/VX7nEBy3hY

[Gregor-y]

Block wanted to do Mexico...

He's confirmed for 100 Acre Wood in the US the week after Mexico. It'll be a nice draw for the local area along with Dave Higgins and Oliver Solberg.

[EstWRC]

since it has been so quiet after Sweden, i just now realised that we have rally this weekend.

this will be very interesting IMO. so many questions to be answered and the starting order is so tasty.

How will Tänak cope with being first on the road? Have Toyota finally sorted out their overheating issues? Evans, Mikkelsen, Latvala and Sordo have excellent road positions to make a good result. Meeke really likes this rally and has a good position too. What speed can Ogier show while starting 3rd and how is Citroen on the loose stuff? Ogier is the favourite to win the rally for me.

the only downside are the sleepless nights!

cant wait.

[mknight]

Ogier is clearly the biggest favourite yes. Due to both his and C3s (and Citroen's in general) performance here.

Tanak is difficult to predict with the repeating Toyota issues and also his own performance here in different Fiestas. Add to that road position and he kind of looks like more of an outsider. Top 3 should be possible but win will be hard.

Meeke is even harder, he has done good here before but that was always with Citroen and road position advantage. I somehow expect Latvala to do better than Meeke here but with him you never know.

Sordo should be able to get top 3 given last years performance and road position, will likely be used by the team to "push" while Mikkelsen should act as a secure backup. Neuville should be ahead of Tanak after Friday but I doubt he can challenge Ogier for the win and might even have trouble chasing Sordo on Saturday based on pure speed.

Really interesting will be Lappi and Suninen, cause last year this was the rally where they both seemed clearly a level slower than all the "established" drivers. Now especially Lappi with Citroen should show much better pace.

---------------
With so few starting cars road position will have a lot to say even on second passes. On the other hand this is the first rally where the rulechange (with restarting drivers going first) will be noticeable, so that being one of the last WRCs on Friday will not automatically mean lost rally like it was for Neuville last year. (off course this assumes that there are some restarting drivers, but normally ~2 should be after Friday).

[dimviii]

Bulacia with a hot moment at Monday tests
https://twitter.com/memorally/status/1102610490478321664

[satukata]

Very nice rally comeing 👍 We still have many questions. What car and driver is strongest in Mexico. I hope Toyota have solved overheating problems. I bet Jm to win because of great starting position. Tanak first on the road is big question. I bet tanak out of podium. Can’t wait 😎

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D01McxGUcAEn6Mc.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D01Meq2VYAAfS6g.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D01L6uDUYAACAbA.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D01L7hwVYAEieUA.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D01L8eZUcAApDQ7.jpg

https://twitter.com/JesseVillalpand

[mknight]

Looks like MSport is really serious about reducing costs*



*joke

[rallyfiend]

Actually, apparently it is no joke.

M-sport and Citroen's seafreight is late arriving. So much so that Citroen have flown the European recce cars to Mexico to get through the next couple of days.

Not sure when it is arriving, but there are fears it won't arrive until Thursday night.

Well after the deadlines for scrutineering and the first stage of the rally...

[er88]

Mexico is becoming a problem. No entries, this potential seafreight problem, and two years ago with the Mexico city disaster.

It's a nice rally though and a different sort of challenge, plus passionate fans

[mknight]

Actually, apparently it is no joke.

M-sport and Citroen's seafreight is late arriving. So much so that Citroen have flown the European recce cars to Mexico to get through the next couple of days.

Not sure when it is arriving, but there are fears it won't arrive until Thursday night.

Well after the deadlines for scrutineering and the first stage of the rally...

In case it does not arrive before Thursday:

- they already have the racecars, isn't that enough for scrutineering and possibly also first stage (granted, they might not be able to do any setup changes)
- if it's not then the most likely course of action is that they will cancel the stage (and maybe even some stages friday morning)

[dimviii]

Monday test
https://youtu.be/CX0Mu2-abt8

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems containers arrived late last night...

https://twitter.com/OmarHurtpeim/status/1102880451746770944

Other info says the ship from Le Havre broke down and then was further delayed by a storm.

Worst affected were Citroen (& Total, Michelin).

[rallyfiend]

In case it does not arrive before Thursday:

- they already have the racecars, isn't that enough for scrutineering and possibly also first stage (granted, they might not be able to do any setup changes)
- if it's not then the most likely course of action is that they will cancel the stage (and maybe even some stages friday morning)

That's unlikely what would happen.
It's the team responsibility to get there on time. You don't cancel stages because one team can't get their shit together.

[Winner]

Michelin are also on the same boat!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport
What a difference half a day makes! With the sea freight delayed, our containers and equipment didn’t arrive until midnight last night. But our team did what they do best and all pulled together - working throughout the night to ensure we’re ready for @RallyMexico! 🇲🇽👊🏼 #WRC https://t.co/o3PONjtbgm

[greencroft]

Michelin are also on the same boat!

That will be a harder one for the organisers to deal with. Can you imagine all the teams forced to run on the local Mexican version of Colway remoulds?!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak believes his Toyota WRC team have conquered the cooling issues which have plagued its Rally Mexico performance over the last two years...

https://t.co/qjOKpEICFX

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@krismeeke - Good morning from Leon, recce day today and... I know, I know, recce the spectator car parks as well ! :D

[dimviii]

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/03/04/impact-of-altitude-on-the-aerodynamics-of-wrc-cars/

[dimviii]

2255/5000
Already during the Rally Sweden the teams were informed that there were problems with the transport of the containers to Mexico. First, the container ship was broken, which should start from the French port in Le Havre, then there were delays due to a storm. Particularly affected are Citroën, Michelin and the new fuel supplier Total.

The equipment of some teams has arrived in the meantime in the Mexican port city of Veracruz, from there it is still more than 800 kilometers to the venue Leon. The first announced delivery on late Monday evening did not work, according to hectic it is now close to the start of the route inspection (Recce).

"When our containers arrive today, we will start directly and should be ready by Tuesday night to allow the technicians to take care of the cars," said Ashley Fowler, who is responsible for logistics at M-Sport. "I think Citroën looks worse - no idea how to do that with the spare parts, if no shipping containers come by Wednesday.

This is the current Citroen service

Citroën has meanwhile brought in the two Recce vehicles and important spare parts so that Sebastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi can start punctually on time. It is hoped that the equipment will arrive in Leon until tomorrow evening, for safety reasons tents and generators were rented on site.

The situation is relaxed at Toyota. All six containers are there and the preparations for the Rally Mexico are running as planned. However, it is rather coincidence that one is not affected by the problems, it says from the ranks of the team. Only a part of the equipment had been sent from Europe to Mexico, the rest came from last year's World Cup final in Australia, so you had plenty of lead. Even with Hyundai could give the all-clear.

However, not only teams are affected by the transport problems. Containers are also missing from the WRC promoter. In a hurry, two tons of equipment were flown in by air freight. Michelin also had tires come by plane. However, a big problem is the fuel. Here there is no solution.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/03/05/probleme-mit-der-fracht-erneut-kampf-gegen-die-uhr/

[dimviii]

color coded roof vents according to driver nationality for hyundai


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1BHfcsWoAAKV4U.jpg

[Morte66]

But they're not putting the driver number on the front?

They introduced permanent driver numbers, and I learned them for Monte, and now they seem to have stopped putting them on the front of the car -- which is most often the first angle you see.

FIA.

Sigh.

[br21]

But they're not putting the driver number on the front?

They introduced permanent driver numbers, and I learned them for Monte, and now they seem to have stopped putting them on the front of the car -- which is most often the first angle you see.

FIA.

Sigh.

Start numbers in top right corners of windscreens is no the idea of FIA, but French traffic rules.

[dimviii]

Miikka Anttila
‏

Ready for the shakedown of @RallyMexico ! These shakedown pacenotes are from 2013. Still using them as you can see.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1EPnd-XQAAmIKf.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1EPnd_XgAU_Y7u.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SD is now live on FB and WRC+ All Live...

[EstWRC]

can you give facebook link? i dont find it

[Fast Eddie WRC]

can you give facebook link? i dont find it

https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak stopped ??

[er88]

Tanak stopped. Car issue by the looks

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak
https://i.imgur.com/qn7ELhM.jpg

[EstWRC]

watersplash causing problems they are saing

i dont know what it is with him and Mexico...he always has trouble there!!!

[PLuto]

watersplash causing problems they are saing

They are thinking it should be the reason, but nothing confirmed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke had no problem in his Yaris.

[er88]

They are thinking it should be the reason, but nothing confirmed.Looked like Neuville went slower after it, for a small section. So he had trouble in it I think, but nobody knows about Tanak

[EstWRC]

sensor issue for Tänak

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lucky it happened now not on the rally.

[EstWRC]

surpsingly the late runners arent coming faster

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville was 7s slowest as the sweeper (and he had Tanak ahead of him until he stopped).

[er88]

surpsingly the late runners arent coming fasterYep, very surprising. Only Mikkelsen on the pace with later starting position so far.

[dimviii]

Jari-Matti Latvala
‏

Cleaned and ready for the 2 shakedown run! ��������

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Ee1uoW0AA6MKe.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Ee1unW0AMZibL.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

All are faster run 2 - Meeke and Lappi fastest.

[er88]

Neuville was 7s slowest as the sweeper (and he had Tanak ahead of him until he stopped).Neuville slowed after the water splash, looked like car drowned temporarily. That cost a good few seconds

[EstWRC]

haha https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1103709854382936064

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any more Tanak news ?

[Ds3]

Any more Tanak news ?

There still are no news but we have suggestions. Toyota will "repair" the car the whole day so they have an excuse to start later in the road order. They will come up with a "big problem" in front of the public to verify the plan. ;);)

[samWRC]

So Tänak can't score points from the rally because he didn't complete shakedown??

[racerx1979]

^^ never heard of such a rule?

[samWRC]

^^ never heard of such a rule?
It is said in regulations that P1 and P2P crews are required to complete run 1 on shakedown to score points.

[racerx1979]

It is said in regulations that P1 and P2P crews are required to complete run 1 on shakedown to score points.

He did one run, but broke down. As long as the car is at the ceremonial start they are good to go, unless something has changed.

[samWRC]

From supplementary regulations:
"All P1 and P2P drivers will be required to complete their first passage of
Shakedown in order of Championship classification, and at an interval as
determined by the Organiser, in consultation with the FIA and WRC Promoter."

[EstWRC]

he is moving towards the stage now. estonian reporter is reporting that he got special permission from organizers

[COD]

Surely there will be no penalty as he started and broke down. So force majeure

[samWRC]

That's good it's stupid rule anyway...

[KKS]

Rule should sounds like "P1 should start a shakedown". Cuz it's sound very weird and conclusions will be the same as 'SD tyres counting into rally tyres' => all just cruising in shakedown to comply this stupid rule.

[KKS]

Neuville was 7s slowest as the sweeper (and he had Tanak ahead of him until he stopped).
he has some trouble after water-splash. Car didn't accelerate for some 10-15sec. He cruised by 50 kph. Same as Argentina? last year

[SubaruNorway]

Rule should sounds like "P1 should start a shakedown". Cuz it's sound very weird and conclusions will be the same as 'SD tyres counting into rally tyres' => all just cruising in shakedown to comply this stupid rule.

They have 6 tyres for shakedown only now, only problem with starting in championship order like it was in Sweden is that they might not have time to do as many runs as they want. The most was 4 runs, some tried to do more but was sent back.

Never been any rule that you can't score points if you don't complete shakedown.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen finally happy with the car and looking to attack...

#RallyMexico 🇲🇽 #Shakedown ✅ 💬 "Very happy with shakedown, had a great feeling already from the start and that felt good! I felt I could drive the way I wanted and that is a real confidence boost. We will push from the start!" #WRC #HMSGOfficial https://t.co/VGwedw3Ys7

[Allez Andruet]

Surely there will be no penalty as he started and broke down. So force majeure

Not saying the "rule" would make any sense as such, but since when has technical failure been force majeure in this sport?

[gorganl2000]

Mikkelsen finally happy with the car and looking to attack...

#RallyMexico 🇲🇽 #Shakedown ✅ 💬 "Very happy with shakedown, had a great feeling already from the start and that felt good! I felt I could drive the way I wanted and that is a real confidence boost. We will push from the start!" #WRC #HMSGOfficial https://t.co/VGwedw3Ys7

let's wait till the real rally starts and see what he (and the others) say then. It should be interesting no doubt

[Allez Andruet]

Mikkelsen finally happy with the car and looking to attack...

#RallyMexico ���� #Shakedown ✅ �� "Very happy with shakedown, had a great feeling already from the start and that felt good! I felt I could drive the way I wanted and that is a real confidence boost. We will push from the start!" #WRC #HMSGOfficial https://t.co/VGwedw3Ys7

So Mikkelsen to win in Mexico and then be benched for Corsica, how about that? Sounds like Hyundai though.

A bit like Auriol in Catalunya '98.

[er88]

let's wait till the real rally starts and see what he (and the others) say then. It should be interesting no doubtMikkelsen increasingly seems like one of these drivers that can be right on the pace but only if he's totally happy with the car. Otherwise the times fall away badly.

So its good to hear he's really happy going into Mexico. That plus road position advantage could mean he's amongst the leaders.

Sordo, Evans, Suninen and Latvala have to try and take advantage of their road position too. Sordo normally goes well here so if he's not too rusty I think he'll be up there as well. Latvala is probably dependant on where his head is at....

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1FaXoaXcAQLnRf.jpg

[Indreq]

In Estonian sources they say that Tänak passed SD once before time ran out. Earlier technical issue was due to some engine sensor which could have been overriden in competitive situation but in SD they chose not to risk and have car checked out by mechanics.

[racerx1979]

Rally Mexico 2019 en vivo
https://t.co/76LMN3zLPr

Dude stop posting this sh!t link on this forum.

[gorganl2000]

Mikkelsen increasingly seems like one of these drivers that can be right on the pace but only if he's totally happy with the car. Otherwise the times fall away badly.

So its good to hear he's really happy going into Mexico. That plus road position advantage could mean he's amongst the leaders.

Sordo, Evans, Suninen and Latvala have to try and take advantage of their road position too. Sordo normally goes well here so if he's not too rusty I think he'll be up there as well. Latvala is probably dependant on where his head is at....

i've grown weary of what drivers say about testing and shakedown over the years, what they say and what happens on the stages can be quite different. the good thing is this is mexico and the shakedown seems representative of the stages.
i think Mikkelsen needs to prove a lot on this rally and score some decent points. He's in a decent road position like some of the others you mentioned above, most of whom also have points to prove, so the competition should be high. I await his results and stage end comments. Apart from the heat and altitude, i expect the pressure to perform will play a big part on the outcome of this particular group

[KKS]

They have 6 tyres for shakedown only now, only problem with starting in championship order like it was in Sweden is that they might not have time to do as many runs as they want. The most was 4 runs, some tried to do more but was sent back.

Never been any rule that you can't score points if you don't complete shakedown.
this rule at SD tyres applied now, after several years ago that tyres didn't count and all just cruise at SD to save a tyres for a rally.

[N.O.T]

That man made retarded jump they have on the super special shows why we need the wall....

Lappi almost destroyed his car...

[N.O.T]

And now we have a delay because that stupid jump got destroyed by lappi most likely...

build the wall....

[N.O.T]

I think they will cancel the super special....

[Esko]

What a jump for Lappi on SS1, drove too fast to that jump. May be he destroyed that jump, since stage is now on hold prior Ogier, Neuville and Tanak.
By the way is this a shortest stage of the year?

[EstWRC]

agreed, ridiculous jump

[Esko]

Ridiculous stage was cancelled

[EstWRC]

and they cancelled it, lol

well done again Mexico!

[KKS]

another micky mouse - fuckedup

[N.O.T]

Thats why you do not let 3rd world countries organise things... we got rid of greece and africa now only argentina and mexico remain in for no reason...

[PLuto]

I was in Guanajuato, when there was only ceremonial start. It was really amazing atmosphere. Then they "destroyed" that atmosphere with introducing tunnel special stage, which was at least interesting to watch on TV, for me one of the best mickey mouse stages. But they can do it even worse...

[er88]

Well at least that's out the way, it's not like there's another 6 Mickey mouse stages this weekend....

Oh wait....

[steve.mandzij]

Thats why you do not let 3rd world countries organise things... we got rid of greece and africa now only argentina and mexico remain in for no reason...Fuck oooooooffff

If you see no value in Greece, Safari and Argentina how are you a rally fan?

[airhead]

Thats why you do not let 3rd world countries organise things... we got rid of greece and africa now only argentina and mexico remain in for no reason...

Remove Argentina and Mexico, then call it the First World Championship

You must be inbred. It must hurt that you dont look Aryan.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1103854872359776257

[Allez Andruet]

Jesus Christ Esapekka! Even the replay looked outrageous.

[AnttiL]

By the way is this a shortest stage of the year?
Probably will be. Leon Street Stage and Australia's mickey mouse last year are like 200 metres longer.

Last year this tunnel stage was extended longer which was nice but they made the cars return to the tunnel with a junction on the way, that was stupid.

Concerning that ramp jump –*The Leon Street Stage has had one for years but the speed on that one is half slower. We also remember the jump from Great Orme - Llandudno where Evans almost somersaulted.

[scn]

@airhead & steve.mandzij

Do not waste your time with ridiculous nonsense that have only negative value. Psychos also have a right to exist in this world. So what?

[AnttiL]

Lappi jump https://www.facebook.com/cristian.velazqueztorres/videos/10216879614015219/

[stefanvv]

If you see no value in Greece, Safari and Argentina how are you a rally fan?

Why do You quote sick dog comments? Not very useful.

[N.O.T]

Remove Argentina and Mexico, then call it the First World Championship


great idea... 3rd world countries should focus on more important stuff then like drinking water facilities and maybe progress from an oversized drug cartel like mexico into something that resembles a country.

[KKS]

oh. Lappi shouldn't brake until a jump and all will be fine. Accelerate - brake - accelerate - jump.

[dimviii]

Lappi jump https://www.facebook.com/cristian.velazqueztorres/videos/10216879614015219/

that was dangerous for spectators also.

[COD]

that was dangerous for spectators also.

That was probably why they cancelled it after that

[EstWRC]

https://www.facebook.com/jociusdeividas/videos/378141626369108/

More jumps from this place. Unbelievable, crowd is so close!

What were they thinking?

[AL14]

That is really ridiculous. You should not be allowed to even organize house parties if you have that kind of brain

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not just jumps, other road issues here too...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/141957/wrc-teams-angry-over-dangerous-mexico-jump

[Googol]

https://www.facebook.com/jociusdeividas/videos/378141626369108/

More jumps from this place. Unbelievable, crowd is so close!

What were they thinking?

Average speed was way below 130 km/h. Surely everything was fine?

[AnttiL]

Not just jumps, other road issues here too...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/141957/wrc-teams-angry-over-dangerous-mexico-jump

So it wasn't just a similar ramp as on the Leon Street Stage, it is the same ramp. Also interesting stories about the last minute changes on Ortega and El Chocolate...

[T16]

The second biggest concern (the first being the jump itself) is the fact they didn't pause the stage once the first car over it looked as out of shape as it did. Can you imagine the uproar if the fifth or sixth car went into the crowd and the whole world was able to say 'we could see that coming'.
The more i see about some of Mouton's decisions, the more I wonder if she is making the right calls.
Very worrying.

[AnttiL]

The second biggest concern (the first being the jump itself) is the fact they didn't pause the stage once the first car over it looked as out of shape as it did. Can you imagine the uproar if the fifth or sixth car went into the crowd and the whole world was able to say 'we could see that coming'.
The more i see about some of Mouton's decisions, the more I wonder if she is making the right calls.
Very worrying.

The Autosport article also states Mouton didn't even drive through the stage!

[AnttiL]

Not sure if mentioned but Lappi said again in a Finnish interview that the roads have been repaired well and the cleaning effect could not be as bad as it usually is.

I haven't posted any speculation but Ogier is my favourite for having a reasonably good starting position, having a car which works in the conditions and being a master of driving in the event. Meanwhile Tänak should suffer at least some bit from being first and possibly also by driving a Toyota. I would also expect a good result from Sordo, having the best start position, but how much is he rusted already? Evans could be fast as well since he was doing good last year before his crash, but the shakedown wasn't promising. Mikkelsen is again a question mark. He has been good in technical gravel rallies but last year he was just out of pace and seems he's a on a weak mental ground, and will be even under greater pressure having been dropped from Corsica.

[EstWRC]

Ogier is definitely the favourite.

im a little worried about Tänak because he has basically done 0 miles compared to others with his problems on shakedown and SS1 being cancelled. Hopefully he has the right setup and doesnt lose too much.

Only couple of hours left!

[N.O.T]

Ogier is definitely the favourite.

im a little worried about Tänak because he has basically done 0 miles compared to others with his problems on shakedown and SS1 being cancelled. Hopefully he has the right setup and doesnt lose too much.

Only couple of hours left!

you are worried because a professional rally driver did around 20 kms less than the others before a 3 day event ???

[AL14]

As for Tanak I'm curious to see not much his performance but how he handles the lead of the championship, the fact that he will be slowed down by his position and the fact that he is driving a car that had several problems in this rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport
Some extra work for our technicians in the 15 minute service this morning as we discovered some damage on @ElfynEvans’ Fiesta from the jump on yesterday’s SSS 🛠 #WRCLive https://t.co/RNrXuBAlJj

[Rallyper]

Good evening fellow rallying fans. Within 8 minutes it all starts again.

[satukata]

do you know good page for splits? is there any other than wrc.com?

[stefanvv]

try the michelin website

[satukata]

i cant find michelin splits? can you help?

[mufcAleksi]

https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

[stefanvv]

https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

[dimviii]

All the Michelin @OfficialWRC drivers with MICHELIN LTX Force M6

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No camera pictures from Tanak and no heli shots. :(

[EstWRC]

wow Ogiers first split

[Rallyper]

No camera pictures from Tanak and no heli shots. :(

And why is that?

[Lead]

Whats the best place now to watch for splits?

[dimviii]

Whats the best place now to watch for splits?

https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

[dimviii]

https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

[stefanvv]

I don't know about Tanak, but Neuville is like on ice sometimes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Talking continually over the onboards and making jokes about chocolate. Why cant we have serious commentators and ones who know when to shut up ?

[stefanvv]

https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

Somehow I still prefer wrc.com

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville slow.

[er88]

Ogier flying and Neuville struggling

[EstWRC]

Neuville with an issue it seems

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke going well too.

[EstWRC]

in 24 minutes they didnt show Tänak at all

facepalm

[er88]

Ogier killing his championship rivals lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rumour Neuville with transmission problem.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Slow puncture.

[stefanvv]

I don't know about Tanak, but Neuville is like on ice sometimes.

Slow puncture explains that

[Mirek]

He said it happened on 5th kilometer. He was very lucky to loose only that much and not more.

[EstWRC]

lol at Neuville, its Tänaks fault he hit the rock

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen fast start.

[Eric]

Mikkelsen is fast

[mufcAleksi]

Latvala not doing good pace at all

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Jp3QWWoAUkfYG.jpg

[dimviii]

Latvala with same time as Tanak...

[EstWRC]

Lappi with the same speed as Tänak

Ogier with a monster time!

[EstWRC]

Suninen is stopped

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Argh no Teemu. :(

[EstWRC]

this is a really shitty time for Lappi

[er88]

Mikkelsen is the only runner far back who is taking proper advantage. He's flying on the splits

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep.


Mikkelsen finally happy with the car and looking to attack...

#RallyMexico ���� #Shakedown ✅ �� "Very happy with shakedown, had a great feeling already from the start and that felt good! I felt I could drive the way I wanted and that is a real confidence boost. We will push from the start!" #WRC #HMSGOfficial https://t.co/VGwedw3Ys7

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Decent start by Evans.

And probably just hot temps so need to move the car away.

[jonkka]

Mikkelsen is the only runner far back who is taking proper advantage. He's flying on the splits

Sordo's early splits look good too

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen 2,4 faster from Seb

[EstWRC]

man this time is just massive from Ogier, Mikkelsen just 2 secs quicker coming from far back

[Mirek]

Suninen shown off the road on the live stream.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just heli appears to show Suninen, weird.

[er88]

Poor time from Jari.

[mousti]

3 for 3 for Sunninen going off

[mufcAleksi]

Second opening stage retirement for him. He can't continue like this.

[stefanvv]

Front right damage for Suninen, game over

[Rallyper]

Not a good start for Suninen this year...

[EstWRC]

that lasted long for Suninen...this is exactly like Lappi was stuck in Turkey i think?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://i.imgur.com/WMeOnSf.jpg

[Augury]

He's ripped the wheel off as well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Teemu Suninen Racing
@TeemuSuninenRac
20s21 seconds ago
More
Unfortunately we are out of the @RallyMexico due to technical reason that happened at the early part of SS2. Very disappointed.

[Lead]

Great time by Sordo after his break

[EstWRC]

sick dogs on the road!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paul King is a sick dog - he cant even read the timing screen.

[mknight]

Sordo looked really perplexed that someone was faster....

[dimviii]

due to technical reason .

lol


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1JuaoWW0AY3wZ9.jpg

[KKS]

Suninen should change his style cuz this kind of situations will continue in a future. When I watch his onboards I even scared by this side of screen.

[Lead]

If Suninen continues like this, next year Mikkelsen will be in his place.

[er88]

Superb first stage by Ogier.

Lappi and Latvala need to get into gear, poor times.

Mikkelsen and Sordo taking advantage of road position and it's good to see both of them with good times. Should give them both a boost of confidence

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Time to switch to Spanish comms...


But least we have the heli. :)

[EstWRC]

nice morning from Ott! very nice and clean driving from the heli shots.

second pass should be much better

[dimviii]

Michelin Motorsport
‏
SS3 - Ortega - 17.28km is live

Ortega is very fast and quite wide with a lot of surface gravel. It reaches an altitude of 2,756 metres (the highest point reached by the WRC) at Km9.

[EstWRC]

man Ogier is just crushing again

[stefanvv]

Evans, good, good

[mufcAleksi]

all live crashed?

[Eric]

Is all live working for you guys?

[mknight]

allblack

[Mirek]

No, black screen.

[Rallyper]

No down.

[Jajá]

black here too

[stefanvv]

it's gone

[Lead]

So quiet out there.... crickets chirping :)

[KKS]

silence even on a radio... dogs

[Jajá]

currently in service appears for me now

[WRC1]

currently in Service :(

[EstWRC]

what on earh is with Latvala so far, brilliant starting position and only as fast as Ott also on this stage

[Rallyper]

That´s not the tools I wanted to see. "Currently in service"

[Japé]

Lot of tech problems this year with wrc+
I wonder if they even monitor themselves when it is down ;)

[Rallyper]

This is a scandal.

[sonnybobiche]

lol these people are incompetent.

[mufcAleksi]

Latvala second fastest as he should

[Rallyper]

wrc.com stopped as well.

[EstWRC]

it seems Latvala heard me and upped his pace

good

[N.O.T]

lol these people are incompetent.

who is smarter though ? Them, for getting paid for a service they do not provide ??? or the retard idiots who pay for a service they do not get ???

[arko5]

Live maps is working ;)

[er88]

Just flicked on BT SPORT extra and WRC AllLive is working on there.

[stefanvv]

Ogier fastest:D

[logic]

lol these people are incompetent.

can you do it better?

[mknight]

it seems Latvala heard me and upped his pace

good

Or it's the car/stage combination. This stage is one of the two fastest of the rally, 30 km/h faster average than the previous one. It's like a different rally.

[er88]

Or it's the car/stage combination. This stage is one of the two fastest of the rally, 30 km/h faster average than the previous one. It's like a different rally.Doesn't really explain Meeke being 8.3s faster on the first stage, with 3 cars between them.

[N.O.T]

can you do it better?

no we cannot do it better... but we do not ask money though do we ?

stupid lap dog mentality...

[mknight]

Doesn't really explain Meeke being 8.3s faster on the first stage, with 3 cars between them.

Why not? Latvala's setup/driver can be better suited for faster stages while Meeke's setup/driver for the slow stuff.

[Lead]

At these moments I'm so happy I dont pay for their service.

[satukata]

btw nice to see wrc2 m bulacia fastest

[Mirek]

can you do it better?

That's really wrong argument. They offer a paid service which doesn't work. The one who paid has every right to ask a working service.

[er88]

So what's the reason the action is still streamed live on BT SPORT without fault, while WRC AllLive crashes on the website? Do they just need new servers or what?

[KKS]

So what's the reason the action is still streamed live on BT SPORT without fault, while WRC AllLive crashes on the website? Do they just need new servers or what?
Cuz production works well, they make good TV signal and sent to customers. WRC+ can't build working site, other's can.
As I know that WRC+ build by german outsource company that didn't care how they work. WRC ask to build platform - they build. Close. No one care how it works, neither germans or wrc.com.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So what's the reason the action is still streamed live on BT SPORT without fault, while WRC AllLive crashes on the website? Do they just need new servers or what?

It also went down on the BT Sport app.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Teemu Suninen Racing
@TeemuSuninenRac
20s21 seconds ago
More
Unfortunately we are out of the @RallyMexico due to technical reason that happened at the early part of SS2. Very disappointed.

Any more info before we condemn ? 'Technical reason' meaning something broke to make him go off ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Crashes in 2019 so far:
Meeke 0
Ogier 1
Suninen 2
All Live 3
;)

[EstWRC]

I better don’t comment this https://twitter.com/svrally/status/1104087980904464391?s=21

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC.com
The connection between the WRC TV production unit in Mexico and our digital distribution centre in Europe was interrupted due to a local issue in Leon, causing a short stoppage to our WRC+ All Live programmes. Normal service has been resumed. We apologise for this inconvenience.

[Entertainer]

Crashes in 2019 so far:
Meeke 0
Ogier 1
Suninen 2
All Live 3
;)

Suninen 3, All Live 3...

[Mirek]

WRC.com
The connection between the WRC TV production unit in Mexico and our digital distribution centre in Europe was interrupted due to a local issue in Leon, causing a short stoppage to our WRC+ All Live programmes. Normal service has been resumed. We apologise for this inconvenience.

But it still doesn't work so...

EDIT: It just started to work again.

[AnttiL]

Crashes in 2019 so far:
Meeke 0
Ogier 1
Suninen 2
All Live 3
;)

Suninen 3

[EstWRC]

works well for me for an hour already

[stefanvv]

WRC.com
The connection between the WRC TV production unit in Mexico and our digital distribution centre in Europe was interrupted due to a local issue in Leon, causing a short stoppage to our WRC+ All Live programmes. Normal service has been resumed. We apologise for this inconvenience.

Who crashed?:D

[N.O.T]

I better don’t comment this https://twitter.com/svrally/status/1104087980904464391?s=21

allow me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBW8mTHDgvk

[T16]

Just tuning in now. Is Mikkelsen leading on merit, or because of a decent road position?

[mufcAleksi]

Road position a bit but he's been faster than Latvala and Sordo who drive behind him so good pace also

[the sniper]

Could Pieniazek have made harder work of that SSS...? :D

[mknight]

Could Pieniazek have made harder work of that SSS...? :D

Yeah out of the 8? corners of the stage he had an issue on 4?

[N.O.T]

Just tuning in now. Is Mikkelsen leading on merit, or because of a decent road position?

both... others had good position as well.

[er88]

Christ Molly doesn't half ask some stupid questions.

[T16]

Christ Molly doesn't half ask some stupid questions.

She's just told Lappi it's only his second rally in a WRC car!

[Norm75]

Its'a the'er annoying'a bint in the studio with Julian that annoys me. Why she needs to keep adding extra vowels and syllables to words is beyond me.

[Barreis]

dimviii, any live link? :)

[T16]

Its'a the'er annoying'a bint in the studio with Julian that annoys me. Why she needs to keep adding extra vowels and syllables to words is beyond me.

She was actually OK for her first'er few'er events, but she's got worse. Its like she doesn't know where it's going to go next and each word comes to mind after she's just said the last one. It's becoming painful.

[dimviii]

dimviii, any live link? :)

too early,in an hour starts the stage

[Morte66]

So, if there are stages being reused this afternoon, can we expect them to be clean from this morning? Does this mean that the drivers going first will have a smaller disadvantage?

Or doesn't it work like that?

[AnttiL]

So, if there are stages being reused this afternoon, can we expect them to be clean from this morning? Does this mean that the drivers going first will have a smaller disadvantage?

Or doesn't it work like that?

It's going to be cleaner, but the lines will be "wrong" from the smaller class cars. However, there's not many of them. I would expect the gaps to be smaller in the afternoon. Also the increasing heat makes the tires work differently.

[MTA]

https://www.wrc.com/images//News/2019/March2019/15726_TeemuSuninen-Mexico-2019_001_592x333.jpg?

[mknight]

https://www.wrc.com/images//News/2019/March2019/15726_TeemuSuninen-Mexico-2019_001_592x333.jpg?

Is the wheel missing or is below that front fender and out of position?