Mexico : Kronos Citroën WRT - ShakedownThis year`s Rally Mexico shakedown was located around Alfaro, fifteen kilometres from the Poliforum` covered service park. Actually, the drivers didn`t really regret last year`s stage as it showed very tough for the cars on both previous editions.
The final part of this year`s test covered a section of the 2005 stage ‘Alfaro/Establo`, a very undulating road.
“These last two kilometres are the best part of the shakedown, commented Daniel Elena. The start is less exciting and not very representative of the rally route.”
Seb agreed with his co-driver and added “The initial road is quite dirty. A layer of gravel and dust came on top in which some tracks and ruts appeared really quickly.”
The World Champions` Xsara completed two runs before returning to the service park for some finetuning. At this moment, Seb and Daniel were second fastest. On the second loop, one passage was sufficient as the road conditions came worse.
Seb` explained: “As expected the beginning of the stage is rutted. For that reason I didn`t push there. But I`m happy with the small adjustments we`ve done on the car in between the runs. I`m also satisfied with the grip.”
Once finished with the shakedown, Seb concluded « For the first time, we will take part in the ceremonial start in Guanajuato with the Xsara. » As a reminder, on both previous editions, Seb and Daniel had to go over the ramp by foot while their car was being repaired by their mechanics.
Xavier Pons completed four runs in total in two different loops. The young Catalan has increased his pace progressively and finished his tests` session on a very positive impression. “It`s good to come back on a more familiar surface…The car`s handling is really good and it seems efficient in the slow parts as well as in the fast and bumpy sections.”
For Dani Sordo and Marc Marti, the shakedown started at 10.30. The Junior World Champion – for whom this gravel event is his first one with a WRC – has completed two passages. After a brief comeback at his service area, he finished the session by posting a promising time amongst the front runners.
“Everything went well. We just had to modify my seat settings and the clutch pedal. I`ve asked a lot of questions to Sébastien as it`s my first rally on gravel with the Xsara. It`s very interesting for me to compare his feelings with mine…”
Later on today, competitors will participate in probably the best start ceremony of the season in Guanajuato. This ‘fiesta` will start at 19:00 local with the WRCs passage at 21:00
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