7.3.2010 - Ford maintains world championship lead after Mexican double
BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team retained the lead of the FIA World Rally Championship after a double points haul in Rally Mexico today. Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen finished fourth on the demanding dirt roads in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car, with team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila 27.6 seconds behind in fifth. The results mean Ford leads the manufacturers' standings by six points after two rounds of the 13-rally series.
High altitude and slippery gravel roads in the hills above the rally base of León, 400km north-west of Mexico City, characterised the event, returning to the championship after a year's absence. The speed tests climbed to 2730 metres, and the thin air at that height meant engines 'ran out of breath', losing up to 30 per cent of their power. Loose gravel on the surface was a huge disadvantage to the early starters, who swept away the stones to leave a cleaner and faster line for those behind.
Hirvonen and Latvala were first and third in the start order on Friday's opening leg and Hirvonen endured the worst of the conditions. The 29-year-old Finn, winner of the opening round in Sweden last month, ended the leg in sixth, one place behind Latvala. Better start positions yesterday offered the opportunity to climb the order and Hirvonen and Latvala were second and third fastest respectively in the leg. However, they did not regain as much time as was hoped and moved to fourth and fifth.
Today's final leg was short and consolidating their positions was the sole target for the Finnish pairings. Latvala deliberately slowed on the final countryside special stage to allow team leader Hirvonen, making his 100th WRC start, to move ahead and take extra points to aid his challenge for the drivers' title. They ended 27.6sec apart after 21 tests covering 347.55km.
"It was a difficult weekend and after winning in Sweden I hoped for a better result here," admitted Hirvonen. "I'm happy that we scored good points for the team, but I made too many mistakes with my driving. I never really found a good rhythm and I felt I couldn't push as hard as I wanted to. When I tried, the car ended up sliding wide and I dropped even more time. I tried lots of different things but I never really found the answer.
"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," he added.
BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson said it had been 'one of the most difficult rallies for some time'. "We lost too much time on the first day but we don't know why. We need to find the reasons, and we will, but at the moment it's a bit confusing. There's a lot of work to do but we'll dig deep and come back fighting. Mikko couldn't find his confidence on the opening day when he was first on the road. Jari-Matti did a great job for the team, helping Mikko and finishing ahead of our rivals' second cars. That's exactly what we asked of him at the start of the season," he said.
Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn said: "We came to Mexico as championship leader and we go home still at the top of the standings. It was a tough weekend for us and the results weren't as good as we had hoped. But sometimes you have to scrap hard to earn a result and that's what we did here. To take away good points after a less than perfect weekend is a sign of our determination."
News from other Ford teams
Stobart M-Sport Ford drivers Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor finished sixth in a Focus RS World Rally Car with team-mates Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin in 16th. Wilson restarted under SupeRally rules this morning after retiring yesterday when his car became stuck on rocks. Munchi's Ford duo Federico Villagra and Jorge Perez Companc were seventh while Monster World Rally Team drivers Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino were 18th. Block also restarted under SupeRally rules today after sliding into a ditch and breaking the suspension of his Focus RS WRC yesterday.
Next round
Round three of the series takes the BP Ford Abu Dhabi squad to the Middle East for the Jordan Rally. It is based on the shores of the Dead Sea, near the capital city of Amman, on 31 March - 3 April.
Final positions
1. S Loeb/D Elena FRA Citroen C4 3hr 42min 41.7sec
2. P Solberg/P Mills NOR Citroen C4 3hr 43min 05.9sec
3. S Ogier/J Ingrassia FRA Citroen C4 3hr 43min 07.0sec
4. M Hirvonen/J Lehtinen FIN Ford Focus RS 3hr 44min 29.2sec
5. J-M Latvala/M Anttila FIN Ford Focus RS 3hr 44min 56.8sec
6. H Solberg/I Minor NOR Ford Focus RS 3hr 45min 29.7sec
7. F Villagra/J Perez Companc ARG Ford Focus RS 3hr 52min 55.1sec
8. X Pons/A Haro ESP Ford Fiesta S2000 4hr 01min 26.1sec
9. M Prokop/J Tomanek CZE Ford Fiesta S2000 4hr 01min 43.7sec
10 A Araujo/R Miguel POR Mitsubishi Lancer 4hr 04min 14.2sec
6.3.2010 - Ford targets solid points finish after tricky second leg in Mexico
BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team climbed the leaderboard during today's second leg of Rally Mexico to put itself on course for a valuable points finish in this second round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila lie fourth in their Ford Focus RS World Rally Car with team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen in fifth, although both pairings were disappointed not to climb further on the longest leg of this three-day event.
Ford's Finns experienced a tough opening day yesterday when both were early starters and played the role of unwilling road sweepers to create a clear driving line through the loose gravel. Both enjoyed a better start position today and had the benefit of cleaner roads, as the drivers ahead swept the stones from the dirt surface to leave a faster line. Although Hirvonen and Latvala were second and third fastest on today's leg, they did not regain as much time on those ahead as they hoped.
Overcast skies greeted competitors as they departed the rally base in León, 400km north-west of Mexico City, early this morning and while the sun appeared sporadically, temperatures were significantly cooler than pre-event. The day comprised two identical loops of three long gravel speed tests north and east of the city. As yesterday, the morning loop ended with a short asphalt special stage close to the service park and the afternoon closed with two head-to-head duels at the race circuit on the edge of the city. The nine tests covered 158.82km.
Latvala was fifth after the first day and the 24-year-old Finn climbed to fourth on the opening stage. He dropped around 15 seconds after stalling and puncturing a tyre and ended the morning frustrated at not having regained more time on his rivals. Latvala decided to stiffen the suspension settings on his Focus RS WRC and the impact was immediate. He was second fastest on the next two stages and an error free afternoon ensured he returned to León happier with his performance.
"It was a much better afternoon than morning," said Latvala. "I think our set-up was too soft and I felt more confident throughout the afternoon's stages. I tried to drive more aggressively after lunch and my times were better but I'm still frustrated. I struggled in fast uphill sections and in long, slow bends.
"I dropped a few seconds this morning when the car stalled and then I punctured the front right tyre on the same stage. It was a slow puncture so I could continue to the finish but I lost about 15 seconds. This morning it seemed that the harder I pushed, the more the car slid wide in the corners and the more time I lost. The changes I made at lunchtime were a big step in the right direction," he added.
Championship leader Hirvonen also climbed a place in the opening stage with second fastest time. Despite also puncturing a tyre, he closed the overnight 30.2sec margin from Latvala to 10.3sec after the morning loop. He, too, stiffened his car's suspension and set three top three times this afternoon, despite feeling unwell, to end the day 16.0sec behind his team-mate and fellow countryman.
"This morning was better than yesterday, and this afternoon was better than this morning, but I still don't have a perfect feeling with the car," said Hirvonen. "I gained time with my road position, but not enough. I changed the damper settings on the car after the first stage to improve the feeling but then the rear left tyre punctured on the next stage. It was a twisty test so I was able to continue without changing the tyre, but I drove for 15km like that.
"After hardening the suspension at lunchtime the car felt much better in the bumpy sections and that gave me more confidence. I've felt quite unwell this afternoon in my stomach. It made no difference on the stages because the adrenaline kicked in, but I felt weaker and weaker on the road sections as the afternoon went on," he added.
BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson admitted that the team's target was now to maximise its manufacturers' championship points haul. "We lost too much time yesterday which we were unable to regain today. Our pace improved, but not by enough, so now we need to ensure we can bring both cars home in good points-scoring positions," he said.
News from other Ford teams
Stobart M-Sport Ford drivers Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor are sixth in their Focus RS WRC. Despite brake problems in the opening stage of each loop, the Norwegian driver posted a second and three third fastest times to lie 25.3sec behind Hirvonen. Munchi's Ford duo Federico Villagra and Jorge Perez Companc climbed to seventh in their Focus RS WRC. Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin retired on the day's opening stage when they went off the road on a left bend 2km before the end of the stage and became stuck on rocks. Monster World Rally Team's Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino also went out on the opening test when they braked late into a corner and their Focus RS WRC slid into a ditch, breaking the front left suspension.
Tomorrow's Route
The final leg comprises just three stages after the pre-event cancellation of the day's second test, the 7.05km Sauz Seco, for safety reasons. Drivers restart at 07.45 and after two stages in the hills north and east of León, they face a final pass over the super special stage at the city's race circuit. Competitors return to León for the finish ceremony at 13.00 after a further 51.49km.
Leaderboard after Day 2
1. S Loeb/D Elena FRA Citroen C4 3hr 08min 49.6sec
2. P Solberg/P Mills NOR Citroen C4 3hr 09min 45.1sec
3. S Ogier/J Ingrassia FRA Citroen C4 3hr 09min 47.8sec
4. J-M Latvala/M Anttila FIN Ford Focus RS 3hr 10min 33.5sec
5. M Hirvonen/J Lehtinen FIN Ford Focus RS 3hr 10min 49.5sec
6. H Solberg/I Minor NOR Ford Focus RS 3hr 11min 14.8sec
7. F Villagra/J Perez Companc ARG Ford Focus RS 3hr 18min 01.4sec
8. M Prokop/J Tomanek CZE Ford Fiesta S2000 3hr 25min 17.6sec
9. X Pons/A Haro ESP Ford Fiesta S2000 3hr 25min 22.4sec
10 A Araujo/R Miguel POR Mitsubishi Lancer 3hr 26min 54.3sec
5.3.2010 - Dirt roads make the going tough for Ford challengers in Mexico
BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team endured a predictably tough opening to Rally Mexico today as dry and dirty conditions hampered their challenge on this second round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila are fifth in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car, while team-mates and championship leaders Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen are sixth in a similar car, after carrying the burden of carving a clear line through slippery loose gravel throughout the day.
Both BP Ford Abu Dhabi pairings were disadvantaged by early start positions, courtesy of their podium finishes on the opening round in Sweden last month. It meant they were unwilling road sweepers, clearing stones from the surface to leave a clear and faster line for those lower down the order. However, the roles will be reversed during tomorrow's second leg and both Hirvonen and Latvala should be in a position to benefit from a better start position on the longest day of the rally.
Tens of thousands of fans packed the narrow streets of Guanajuato last night to view the spectacular start ceremony. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beauty, was awash with colour, music and dancing as the world's leading drivers crossed the start podium.
The action began in earnest this morning as drivers journeyed high into the hills north and east of León. The bulk of the competition was based around two identical loops of three gravel speed tests. The opening loop ended with a short sealed surface test behind the service park. Two passes over a super special stage at the race circuit on the edge of the city, where two drivers at a time raced head-to-head, ended the action after nine stages totalling 137.24km.
The countryside stages climbed to a breathtaking 2737 metres, the thinner air at such high altitudes sapping engines of up to 30 per cent of their usual power. After several days of hot sunshine, today was more overcast and cooler with a strong breeze. But conditions were bone dry and the roads were covered in a fine layer of loose gravel, which was to prove such a handicap to the Ford duo.
Hirvonen was first to start after his Rally Sweden win last month and had the worst of the conditions. Latvala was third in the start order and while conditions were slightly easier, the 24-year-old was still at a considerable disadvantage. He ended the opening loop in fifth and admitted: "I was too careful and cautious on the opening stage. I didn't drive well and couldn't find a rhythm. My driving improved after that but I slid a lot on the loose gravel. I hit some bumps on the third stage and they threw the car into the air. I was worried the impact may have damaged it but everything was OK."
Hirvonen was sixth on the opening stage and remained there throughout the day. Grip levels were better in the afternoon when the stages were repeated. However, the 29-year-old still suffered as road opener, as the different driving line taken by the lesser-powered cars in the morning covered the clean route created by the leading cars earlier.
"It was so slippery on the loose gravel this morning that I could do nothing more," said Hirvonen. "There was a fine layer of stones that I cleared for everyone else. There was so much gravel that even one car lower in the start order made a big difference and it was worse than I thought. The grip was more consistent this afternoon, but the clean route had been messed up by the later starters so I had to start all over again in developing a new line.
"I had two close escapes on the second stage this morning. First I hit a rock in a fast right corner and then a concrete post in a left bend. I'm amazed I didn't puncture a tyre - it shows how strong they are. The roles will be reversed tomorrow and I will have a good start position so I will try to make up the lost ground and catch those ahead of me," added Hirvonen.
BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson admitted he was surprised Hirvonen dropped so much time. "It's a little strange and we'll review everything this evening. But both Mikko and Jari-Matti, who drove well today, will have a better start position tomorrow and I hope it will be our turn to take advantage," he said.
News from other Ford teams
Stobart M-Sport Ford drivers Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor are seventh, 1min 09.7sec ahead of team-mates Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin. The Norwegian lost a little time this afternoon after hitting a rock and upsetting his car's balance. Munchi's Ford drivers Federico Villagra and Jorge Perez Companc are ninth, the Argentines unhappy with the brakes and car's handling this morning. Monster World
Rally Team's Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino are 10th in their Focus RS WRC on the team's WRC debut, the Americans losing a minute when the car stopped after an impact this afternoon.
Tomorrow's Route
The second leg is the longest, with the bulk of the action taking place over two loops of three gravel tests in the hills north and east of León. The opening stage of each loop is the longest of the rally at 29.90km and the other two are both more than 23km. The short sealed surface test behind the service park will again end the morning loop, while two more passes over the super special stage will close the day. Drivers restart at 07.00 for nine stages covering 158.82km before the overnight halt at 17.41.
Leaderboard after Day 1
1. P Solberg/P Mills NOR Citroen C4 1hr 23min 39.9sec
2. S Ogier/J Ingrassia FRA Citroen C4 1hr 23min 54.9sec
3. S Loeb/D Elena FRA Citroen C4 1hr 24min 07.4sec
4. D Sordo/M Marti ESP Citroen C4 1hr 24min 20.7sec
5. J-M Latvala/M Anttila FIN Ford Focus RS 1hr 24min 41.1sec
6. M Hirvonen/J Lehtinen FIN Ford Focus RS 1hr 25min 11.4sec
7. H Solberg/I Minor NOR Ford Focus RS 1hr 25min 17.4sec
8. M Wilson/S Martin GBR Ford Focus RS 1hr 26min 27.1sec
9. F Villagra/J Perez Companc ARG Ford Focus RS 1hr 27min 59.7sec
10 K Block/A Gelsomino USA Ford Focus RS 1hr 28min 13.2sec
26.2.2010 - Hirvonen's centenary adds spice to Mexican independence fiesta
Two hundred years after Mexico's native Indians began their bloody fight for independence against Spanish rule in Guanajuato, BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team next week takes up the call to arms in the mountains near the city for a battle of a different kind. The team journeys to North America for Rally Mexico (4 - 7 March), the second round of the FIA World Rally Championship, intent on extending its lead in both the manufacturers' and drivers' standings.
Victory for Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen and third for team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila in Sweden earlier this month means the team heads both championships with the Ford Focus RS World Rally Car. Hirvonen's win moved Ford level at the top of the WRC's all-time standings with 74 victories and the 29-year-old Finn celebrates an anniversary of his own in Mexico - his 100th WRC start.
The rally, which returns to the series after a year's absence, is a key part of Guanajuato state's bicentennial celebrations. It is based in the large city of León in the centre of the country, 400km north-west of Mexico City. The compact route comprises speed tests in the mountains to the north and east and most climb above 2000m on hillsides awash with cacti and water crossings, making this the highest round of the season. The altitude takes its toll on cars as the thinner air means engines 'run out of breath' and can lose up to 30 percent of their usual power.
The road surface is essentially hard-packed gravel, although some parts are sandier and can become rough during the second pass. Most special stages are fast and flowing, although there are slower, more technically demanding sections as well. There are also tests at two short spectator-friendly venues, one in León city itself, immediately next to the single service park at the Poliforum.
Hirvonen has four Mexico starts to his name, third in 2007 being his best result. The 29-year old Finn will be first in the start order during the opening leg following his Swedish success, but is happy to carry the role of creating a clear driving line for his rivals on the gravel tracks.
"Leading the championship can have its disadvantages, and I now run first on the road for the opening gravel rally of the season. My rivals have better road positions than me so it will be difficult, but I'll still try to find a way to challenge for the win. I'm not underestimating the difficulties, but I wouldn't swap my win in Sweden for a better start seeding," he said.
"Sweden was the perfect start to the championship for both me and the team. It's important that we build on that in Mexico and continue to take the brave decisions that paid off in the opening round. The first gravel rally of the season is always an interesting one because, with the majority of the championship on that surface, it gives pointers as to how the season may play out," added Hirvonen, who flies to León today (Friday) to acclimatise to the high altitude and the eight-hour time difference between his home country and Mexico.
Team News
* Tyre partner Pirelli will provide BP Ford Abu Dhabi with one regulation tyre pattern. The Scorpion gravel tyre will be available in hard compound only. Teams are not allowed to hand-carve additional cuts into the rubber and each car can carry two spare wheels.
* The team completed a five-day pre-event test in northern Spain yesterday to prepare for Rally Mexico. Latvala completed the opening two days before handing over to Hirvonen, who drove for two days on gravel before ending the test with a day's asphalt work.
* Ford is again the most popular manufacturer in the entry with nine of the 35 entry cars carrying the Blue Oval. Henning Solberg / Ilka Minor and Matthew Wilson / Scott Martin are nominated by the Stobart M-Sport Ford team in Focus RS WRCs while Federico Villagra / Jorge Perez Companc will make their season debut for the Munchi's Ford squad in a similar car. Also debuting is the all-new Monster World Rally Team, for whom Ken Block / Alex Gelsomino will drive a Focus RS WRC. Three Fiesta S2000 crews will start in the second round of the S-WRC support series.
Rally Route
Organisers have stayed faithful to their tried and tested format with few changes from Mexico's last WRC appearance. The major difference is the introduction of a short street stage in the middle of the opening two legs just behind the service park at León's Poliforum. Otherwise, just one Sunday morning test offers new roads.
It is a highly compact rally, covering just 884.58km with 40 per cent of that being competitive, and the opening day's Ortega test climbs to a breathtaking 2737m - the high point of the season. The rally begins on Thursday evening with a colourful ceremonial start in Guanajuato, where more than 60,000 people are expected to pack the streets. The town is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, famed for rich veins of silver and gold discovered centuries ago and extensive underground tunnels.
All the action takes place north and east of León and the opening two legs end with two passes over a super special stage at the city's race circuit. The track hosts a double run on Sunday to close the rally. Drivers tackle 22 stages covering 354.60km.
