Unexpected double podium for the Ford team

Dominated by the Citroën DS3s the first two days, the Ford drivers benefited from the abandonment of Sébastien Ogier This morning. In the end, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala accompany Sébastien Loeb on the podium.

Second in rally, 1'38"4 behind Sébastien Loeb, Mikko Hirvonen even manages to retain the lead in the world championship, thanks to the three points gleaned in the last special (the Power Stage). “It’s a great result from a championship perspective. After my difficulties last season, I feel that I have found that consistency which is so important in the title race. The bonus points collected in the Power Stage are a great encouragement. »

As for Latvala, winner of two special stages, he admits to being surprised by his final position. “ Getting on the podium after two punctures is unexpected. Our pace improved during the rally. I was satisfied with the behavior of the car for our first test on gravel” explains the Finn.

An encouraging result for the next Portugal Rally, from March 24 to 27.

Find the complete and detailed report of the 2011 Rally of Mexico in your AUTOhebdo magazine, on newsstands from Wednesday.