Estonian Ott Tänak, current World Championship leader with Ford, dominated the first day of competition
He was fastest in timed Super Special Special 1 and 2 with a time of 1:54.2, ahead of Finnish champion Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) with 1:55.9
the estonian pilot Ott Tanak (Ford), dominated the start of the Rally Mexico, the third round of the 2023 World Cup, which takes place in Guanajuato and will conclude next Sunday. Tänak, the current championship leader, was fastest in timed Super Specials 1 and 2 with a time of 1:54.2. The second place went to the current champion, the Finnish Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) with 1:55.9, followed by his compatriot Esapekka Lappi (Hyundai) i20, with 1:56.4. The Spanish Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20), finished in seventh position with 1:57.6.
The test was carried out on a 1.2-kilometer night circuit through the cobbled and winding streets and tunnels of downtown Guanajuato, a town that is 2,045 meters above sea level, located just over 350 kilometers north of the Mexican capital.
“The stage is a bit treacherous, but with the support of the people I can only say that it was a lot of fun. Now we must concentrate on how demanding this date will be from tomorrow,” he said Tanak at the end of the first day. Dani Sordo was presented with a journey of 59.8 seconds; on his second chance he stopped the clock at 57.8.
“The first day is very important for us. We suffered a bit from a lack of power due to the altitude. We have to be faster and be ready for the long stage on Friday and Saturday. The rally doesn’t end until the last stage and we’re going to fight,” he said Deaf.
“It’s been a spectacular atmosphere, I really enjoy this type of test, I’ve had a fantastic time and I’m ready for tomorrow’s competition,” he said. Rovanperachampion of the championship in 2022. This Friday there will be eight stages of Rally Mexico.
A big day lies in store ??#WRC #WRCLive #RallyMexico pic.twitter.com/yjZ08jyNyO
— World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) March 17, 2023
The activity will begin in the mountainous section known as “El Chocolate”, which reaches an altitude of 2,650 meters above sea level, one of the highest of the season, and will culminate in the street circuit called the León District.