Corona Rally Mexico : OMV CEE - Leg 2
During the second leg of the Corona Rally Mexico Stepan Vojtech and Michal Ernst learned how tough the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship really can be.
The problems began right in the morning. Following a set-up change of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 for Saturday oversteering set in, followed by a stalled engine and two spins on special stages 8 and 9. In the afternoon the OMV duo finally had to park their car due to damaged steering. On Sunday they will compete again thanks to the SupeRally regulation.

Steering damage stops OMV CEE Team
Stepan Vojtech definitely had different plans for the second day of the Rally Mexico. But the congenial Czech still hasn`t lost his good nature even though he has seen better days. Following a change of the chassis set-up of the Mitsubishi the car started to oversteer. And more was in store. Follwoing a spin on special stage 8 the engine stalled and it took over a minute to restart the overheated engine.

During the next SS a further spin occured and things got even worse on SS 12. After having hit an obstacle on SS 11 the OMV CEE World Team had to retire on the following stage after 12 kilometres due to steering damage. Vojtech: “One obviously has to learn the hard way. Of course I`m disappointed but we had to test our limits on gravel. It is the only way to find the maximum. It is extremely slippery here and you`re in danger of dropping out every metre of the way.”

SupeRally on Sunday
Stohl Racing was able to repair the car during the service. Thus OMV driver Stepan Vojtech will tackle the last 60,44 special stage kilometres on Sunday. The Czech remains in seventh place in the Production Car ranking despite the penalty of 15 minutes. Vojtech: “It is enormously important that we can compete again tomorrow. We gain experience with each kilometre. Luckily our time cushion enables us to remain within scoring ranks. It`s still a pity for without having dropped out fifth place would have been possible.”

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