WRC – Ogier: A near-perfect day in Mexico

Sébastien Ogier distinguished himself again in the second stage of the Rally of Mexico by winning six of the seven stages contested, the scratch of the Street Stage Leon (1,2km) having been won by Mikko Hirvonen by only two tenths ahead of the Frenchman. The Volkswagen driver inherited the best time in the second pass of the Otates special, the organizers having given 40 seconds back to the Polo R WRC who found herself blocked by a closed gate on the route (video). The performance of the leader of the event is all the more impressive as he no longer needs to push the pace following the retirement of Mads Ostberg.

“It was a really good day for us.”, commented Sébastien Ogier after the second stage of the Rally Mexico. “We had a bit of adrenaline at the end when I suddenly had to hit the brakes to avoid hitting a closed gate. I'm sorry that Mads (Ostberg) had to retire because he had been performing very well so far and he was our direct opponent. However, the lead we have is now comfortable (3'32 ahead of Mikko Hirvonen). Even though we didn't take any risks, we still won six of the seven stages. I was even surprised. »

Sébastien Ogier seems to be heading straight for a second consecutive victory after his first success of the season in Sweden. However, the Volkswagen driver will still have to face the Guanajuatito special, the longest course of the event with 54,8km timed, and avoid making a mistake or hitting one of the many stones on the road. “There is still one stage to go and we will have the most difficult stage of the rally. So we will have to stay focused. »