Inside Rally

Overall results after SSS around the Mexican streets.
results from Official WRC app

Video recap of Shakedown, the opening ceremony and the first stage by Hyundai Shell World Rally Team.

2014 Rally Mexico is soon to get underway. Its the first time the drivers will tackle gravel this season after the ice of Monte Carlo and the snow of Sweden. Its also a debut Rally for many of the WRC drivers, such as Citroens Kris Meeke, M-Sports Elfyn Evans and VW’s Andreas Mikklesen.

But before the Rally, the crews face a Pre-event Shakedown. Getting the cars and themselves up to speed on the gravel before the first stage. Its also a rough indication of their speed. Although Shakedown isn’t always a true representation of the stages themselves.

And starting as he finished, Volkswagens Jari mati Latvala sets the fastest time through shakedown. No doubt a confidence boost ahead of stage one.

Overall Shakedown times

Theres a lot of talk about new manufactures coming into the sport. In the space of two years we have already gained Volkswagen & Hyundai. Along with speculation of Toyota possibly returning to the sport in a few years time.

But now there are rumours of another, in the shape of MG. Although there is no official confirmation, theres word that the Chinese-owned British brand MG have already built the MG WRC Car and is now looking for approval for the go ahead on the WRC program.
A spokesperson from MG told AUTOSPORT: “We have been approached about this, but we have nothing to confirm this year beyond our British Touring Car Championship programme.”

MG runs MG6s in the BTCC in collaboration with Triple Eight.

Tamrazov, an occasional WRC and European Rally Championship competitor, told Italian website Rally Emotion that the programme just required MG approval as funding was in place.

“In a letter, MG said: ‘Currently, this year is planned and budget allocated and we have two motorsport programmes already to deliver. It would be much better for us to plan this for next year.’

“The programme will be financed by independent sources, not from MG. So they need just to decide if they want to go on with this programme.

“There are a few possible development companies who are interested in this. However, at this time it’s not possible to have full negotiations and chose one to work with until confirmation from MG about the project.

“The idea is deeper than just building MG WRC cars, but this is not the time to discuss this until [the programme] is confirmed from MG.”

MG has not run a full WRC programme since 1986, when Tony Pond and Malcolm Wilson drove Metro 6R4s.

Source: Autosport, Rally Emotion