Sebastien Loeb took his fourth consecutive victory in Mexico this weekend, just 24 seconds ahead of former world champion Petter Solberg, who narrowly snatched second place from Citroën Junior Team driver Sebastien Ogier.
Frenchman Loeb has a tough time staying ahead, sweeping the roads for the rest of the field, and his lead was gradually diminished as the event bore on over Saturday and Sunday. The defending champion opted to play it safe to ensure the win, and circumstances were in his favour as the 20th stage was cancelled, cutting seven kilometres off the total distance.
“This victory’s done us a power of good. We controlled our race well and I think that we can look forward to the next events with confidence, as they’ll be run on similar surfaces. Thanks to this victory we’ve taken the lead in the championship and opened up a small gap over Mikko Hirvonen,” said Loeb.
Ogier battled Solberg for most of the event, and managed a stage win on Sunday morning on his charge, but the Norwegian veteran showed his pedigree claiming the 4,42 km long final stage, just over a second ahead of Ogier.
“It was the first time that we ever had the chance to fight for a top place all the way to the end. We managed to drive at a good pace throughout the event. It’s a sure sign that we are making progress. This podium rewards all the hard work that the team has put in. It’s been a great start to the season; we really couldn’t hope for better,” said Ogier.
Overall, the event was a good one for Citroën, with the World Rally Team on the podium, Solberg’s privateer 2009-spec C4 WRC, as well as the Junior Team. Ogier’s efforts have placed the Citroën Junior Team third in the manufacturer’s championship, ahead of the highly competitive Stobart M-Sport team.
“The C4 WRCs have dominated this rally as they set all the quickest times. They also scored the first triple by a French manufacturer in a gravel rally. I’d also like to congratulate Petter Solberg and Sebastien Ogier for their great duel in the best possible sporting tradition,” said Citroën Racing Team Principal, Olivier Quesnel.
Loeb’s championship rival Mikko Hirvonen managed fourth, less than half a minute ahead of Ford teammate Jari-Matti Latvala.
“I never had the pace to fight for the win, so taking all that into account; I have to be happy with a solid finish. It’s important to keep the points ticking over so early in the season and that’s what we ended up doing here,” Hirvonen admitted.
The World Rally Championship now heads for Jordan in the Middle East for the third round of this year’s season. Despite the dramatic difference in altitude (The Jordan Rally will be held almost entirely under sea level), conditions will be very similar to the rough terrain experienced in North America.