The EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC has a strong track record at this breath-taking event – never finishing shy of the podium – and the team are confident of conquering the heights of this much-loved event once again.
Focused in and around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Guanajuato, Rally Mexico boasts beautiful scenery amidst challenging terrain. The 30°C heat can be closer to 50°C in the cockpit, and the stages rise to more than 2,700 metres above sea level – where the oxygen starved air can see engine performance reduced by as much as 20 percent.
The gravel stages can be rough going and the crews must adapt their driving to contend with the reduced power. Mistakes are less easily forgiven, and the engineers must be sure to extract maximum performance at all times.
Yet despite being one of the most uniquely challenging events on the calendar, Rally Mexico is also one of the most vibrant and the Mexican fans have taken the sport to their hearts.
To best prepare for the challenges ahead, the Cumbrian squad conducted a two-day research and development test at Ford’s state-of-the-art climatic chamber at the end of last year – perfecting engine maps and confirming optimum performance at high altitude and temperatures.
This was supplemented by a pre-event test in Southern Spain last week – allowing the crews to reaffirm the sensation of driving on gravel, optimising set-ups for peak performance, and allowing new-boy Lappi to experience his gravel-tuned Fiesta for the first time this year!
Team Principal, Richard Millener, said:
“It’s time to see what we can do on gravel, and we’re optimistic about our chances next week. We’ve got a good track record in Mexico – with victory in 2018 and podiums every year since launching the current-spec cars. The team have done their research at Ford’s climatic chamber, and we’re well prepared having completed a four-day altitude test in Spain last week.
“This will be the first time Esapekka competes behind the wheel of a Fiesta in gravel trim, but he’s improving with ever kilometre and closing in on the top-three. Teemu hasn’t had the best start to the year and needs a solid result, but he has won here before and when he gets into his rhythm there’s no stopping him. And don’t discount Gus either. He’s only been here once before, but he performed well and this is one of those events where anything can happen!
“Rally Mexico is always a real highlight for the team and we’re all looking forward to experiencing the Mexican hospitality – and pushing for some strong results on the opening gravel event of the year.”
Source: M-sport UK