More experience for the Citroën crews at Mexico

After a very successful first leg, Mads Østberg set off this morning to attack the stages in the Sierra de Lobos. However, on Ibarrilla 1, the Norwegian hit a bank just 200 metres shy of the finish.

It was only after passing the stop control that the crew noticed that part of the suspension was broken. Despite their attempts to repair the damage before the next stage with “a Viking fix”, Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson ended up running out of time. They will be allowed to rejoin tomorrow under Rally 2 rules.

Mads Ostberg and Jonas Andersson, Citroën DS3 WRC, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team

Photo by: Citroën Communication

The final leg is made up of four stages, including a 56 kilometre-long test. SS22, El Brinco, will serve as the Power Stage in which bonus points will be up for grabs. The rally is scheduled to finish in Leòn at 2.30pm.

QUOTE, UNQUOTE

Mads Østberg: “I was pushing on the first stage. Shortly before the finish, there was a quick section ahead of a braking point for a right-hand bend. My pace notes weren’t right. I didn’t brake hard enough, so we carried too much speed and hit a bank on the outside of the corner as we exited it. We managed to finish the stage but the suspension was too damaged to be able to continue. We worked as hard as possible to carry out repairs but we just didn’t have enough time to make it to the start of the next stage.”

Kris Meeke: “The stages are really complicated when you haven’t experienced them before. You have to find the right rhythm. The roads are slippery with some very narrow, twisty sections. I was struggling to feel confident on the first pass. We are doing everything for the first time, which is part and parcel of the learning process. Once you’re more familiar with the stages, everything is a lot more straightforward. So, the feeling was a lot better this afternoon and I think you can see that in the times.”

Yves Matton (Citroën Racing Team Principal): “Mads’ strategy was to drive at a strong pace in order to consolidate his second position. Unfortunately, an ill-judged pace note means his name has been added to the long list of drivers caught out at this Rally Mexico. Although he tried to repair the damage, he was unable to continue. He will rejoin tomorrow under Rally 2 rules to prepare for the next round of the WRC in Portugal. Kris’ goal was to complete all of the stages. He drove at a sensible pace to ensure he built up some more experience. He is improving on a rally where he is competing for the first time.”

Citroën Racing