WRC – Ogier widens the gap on Ostberg in Mexico

Sébastien Ogier was imperial in the second passage of the special stages of the first stage of the Rally of Mexico by winning two new scratches which allowed him to extend his lead to almost 30 seconds over Mads Ostberg. The pilot M-Sport however, fought hard by snatching the other best times of the afternoon but the Volkswagen driver once again made the difference in the long El Chocolate special of 30,6km.

Mikko Hirvonen continues to set interesting times without distinguishing himself by scratches but adopting a very regular pace. Under the pressure of Thierry Neuville, the Finn resisted well by staying in contact with Mads Ostberg who was ahead of him by only eight seconds. The Belgian seems to have lost his means on the longest course of the day by making several errors and losing almost 20 seconds on the provisional podium in one special to finally find himself 24 seconds behind the Finn.

Dani Sordo still completes the top five without managing to impress the speed of the crews at the front, handicapped in part by his position on the unfavorable road. The DS3 driver WRC maintains a lead of 40 seconds over the Fiesta RS WRC of Nasser Al-Attiyah still in sixth position ahead of Ken Block and Benito Guerra. Martin Prokop, still in ninth place, is starting to watch his mirrors as Chris Atkinson has re-entered the top ten to be 48 seconds behind the Ford. The Australian fell in the standings this morning with damage in El Cubilete (SS4).

The first stage of the Rally Mexico ends with two super special stages starting at 1 a.m. (French time). Sébastien Ogier took the opportunity to increase his lead to 33 seconds over Mads Ostberg.