After an excellent double podium result on the all-gravel Rally Mexico, Peugeot takes the lead of the World Rally Championship for the first time since Rally Australia 2003. Marcus Gronholm finished second and Markko Martin third, at the end of a tough rally that clearly demonstrated the speed and reliability of the 307 WRC.
The third and last leg of Rally Mexico consisted of only two special stages totalling 62.7 kilometres, but the final test was one of the most difficult of the rally and certainly the longest at 44.4 kilometres.
The Peugeot drivers drove conservatively in order to maintain their places, finishing fifth and sixth on both stages. Markko keeps his excellent second position in the driver's championship, while Marcus climbs to fifth in the standings.
Marcus Gronholm: "Today was actually a bit boring – we were just driving to get to the finish of the rally without making any mistakes. I was very glad to see the end; it has been a very tricky event and I was concentrating extremely hard on not taking any unnecessary risks. This has not really been a rally I enjoyed, but the most important thing is that the car has been extremely reliable and we are on the podium. Next is Rally New Zealand – it's an event I like a lot so I am looking forward to it."
Markko Martin: "I'm quite happy with third place and to keep second in the driver's championship: it was more than I was expecting at this point in the year. With every kilometre I drive in the 307 WRC I gain more experience and confidence, so this is a very good way to start the season. There are still some areas where we need to improve the car to suit my driving style, but we are definitely on the right track."
Jean-Pierre Nicolas: "Our objective for this event was to bring home the maximum number of points and lead the constructor's championship, and our mission has been well and truly accomplished. We've not scored this many points on a rally since the Rally Deutschland in 2003! Our technicians have been extremely motivated to give us a reliable car, and we've not had a single mechanical problem during this extremely demanding event. The only thing that held Marcus back was excessive brake pad wear. The drivers have used their heads under difficult circumstances and allowed us to score 14 valuable points. Finally, I'd like to congratulate Pirelli, who have given us remarkably competitive tyres on our first gravel rally together."
Marcus : 3 best times, 1 second, 3 third. Markko : 1 best time, 2 second, 3 third.
Final Classification : 1. Solberg Subaru 3h41'06''2 2. Grönholm Peugeot à 34''5 3. Märtin Peugeot à 1'38''3 4. Loeb Citroen à 3'51''1 5. Rovanperä Mitsubishià 3'58''1 6. Gardemeister Ford à 4'05''6
World Championships classification Manufacturers : 1. Peugeot 31 pts 2. Ford 23 pts 3. Mitsubishi 23 pts 4. Subaru 20 pts 5. Citroën 16 pts 6. Skoda 4 pts
Drivers : 1. Solberg 20 pts 2. Märtin 19 pts 3. Gardemeister 17 pts 4. Loeb 15 pts 5. Grönholm 12 pts 6. Rovanperä 11 pts 7. Panizzi 7 pts
