WRC 2011: Rally Mexico - What to expect? - Editorial

It´s here, it´s finally here. After a long year, tomorrow is the day for shakedown, the presentation and the first stage in the Guanajuato tunnels.

But what can we expect from this edition of the Mexico Rally? First of all, it will be the presentation of the new cars in dirt and gravel. It will be the first time in a long time, where drivers will have to show more expertise than ever driving under these conditions and with an expected temperature of 33°C. It will be very interesting how the small engines can be affected by the altitude and lack of oxygen compared to the first rally. Now they have to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other on the shifter, as the shifter paddles are a thing of the past. Also they will be driving with steel steering wheels, as the carbon fiber ones are out too. But can these and other changes make a difference? It seems so. And in previous car changes along the WRC history the radical regulations had brought a new group of drivers that adapt faster and this is when new eras get new stars. We still have to see how the Fords performance in the first rally of the year will transmit to a different rally with opposed conditions. And we will see if Citroen wakes up, or if  Ford will establish a new kingdom. Its still early in the championship for this year, but we will see if this is the start of a new era, or if the drivers can transtion flawlessly from the old to the new cars.

The WRC Rally Mexico is here and it´s going to be interesting how these and other questions are answered.

Enjoy the Rally!!!