Mexico’s Benito Guerra flanked by Spanish co-driver Borja Rozada drove a strong event from start to finish, proving his speed on both gravel and Tarmac at Rally de España this weekend. He navigated his Ralliart Italy-run Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X expertly through the stages to end the rally more than five minutes ahead of nearest competitor Nicolas Fuchs, the 2013 FIA WRC 2 Production Cup winner, marking out Guerra as the man to beat in a production car.

Guerra drove flawlessly through the third day, perturbed only by the dust in the first loop forcing him to slow and wait for the road to clear. Equally confident on gravel and asphalt, Guerra was pleased to prove he still has what it takes to dominate Group N. Cheered on by the Spanish crowds, Guerra couldn’t have asked for more than to claim such a convincing win on the same stages where he won his Production car world title with Ralliart Italy last year.

Now he heads back to Mexico ready to prepare for his next challenge:

“I did what I came to do here in Spain. We had a good feeling in the car throughout and Borja and I felt confident from the beginning to the end. I’m going home to Mexico to talk with my sponsors and work on a programme for next season. I hope to be back in the WRC for a full season. I feel like I’ve got a lot more to offer – now I just need the chance to prove it to everyone!”

Ralliart Italy Team Manager Bruno De Pianto was delighted with Guerra’s victory: “We all knew what Benny was capable of before the event started, but rallying’s an unpredictable sport and you never can tell what will happen on any one event. That Benny had the chance to show everyone he still has the pace he demonstrated throughout last season has left the crew and the team smiling. Now we hope to see him back in the WRC full-time next year!”