Heading into the finale of the Rally Mexico with a one-two lead: Volkswagen significantly extended their lead at the third event of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season going into the final 96.47 kilometres and two special stages. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) clinched six of the nine possible best times of the day, including all of those on the crucial, long stages – thereby making use of their advantageous starting position at the back of the field. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F), who opened the route, also delivered a flawless performance and built up a comfortable lead over third-placed duo Dani Sordo/Marc Martí (E/E, Hyundai).
However, the Rally Mexico came to an early end for Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger. In an attempt to oust Dani Sordo/Marc Martí (E/E, Hyundai) from third place in the overall standings, they slid into a buttress on the second pass of the “Otates” special stage, came off the track and were forced to retire from the rally. The damage to the Polo R WRC cannot be repaired on site – which means it is all over for Mikkelsen/Jæger in Mexico.
The longest special stage of the year awaits the competitors on the final day: “Guanajuato”, which is exactly 80 kilometres long. The last time that there was a longer stage was back in 1986 – which was on the asphalt of Corsica. After the marathon with the maximum length currently permitted comes the closing 16.47-kilometre Power Stage “Agua Zarca” on Sunday afternoon, before the winners and other podium finishers are determined.
