The Volkswagen pairing of Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia captured their third straight win of the 2015 World Rally Championship after a dazzling display at Rally Mexico over the weekend. The win widened the French duo’s lead over runner-up Andreas Mikkelsen even further and marked the 25th win in 29 races for the Polo R WRC.
VW decribed Ogier and Ingrassia’s performance at Rally Mexico as “perfect.” They finished in the top three in 20 of the rally’s 21 stages and were the first fastest in nine of them. They moved into first place 5.6 kilometers (3.4 miles) into the race and stayed there for the remainder, holding off teammates Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Floene, among other competitors.
A well-thought out tire compound selection early in the weekend on Friday laid the framework for Ogier’s win. The team was forced to open the stage, a disadvantage, as their car had to sweep away all the loose gravel on top. However with a mixture of soft and hard compound tires, they made the most of the hand they were dealt.
“We pushed like crazy from the word go in the cockpit, came up with the cleverest tyre selection on Friday – and were rewarded in the end,” Ogier said post-race. “It is my third win in a row here. The Rally Mexico seems to be kind to me. And I love coming here. The route suits me, the countryside is fantastic, and the fans make the rally a great fiesta every year.”
In addition to receiving max points for his first-palce finish, Ogier also received three bonus points for posting the fastest time of the weekend. The WRC’s South America tour continues with the Rally Argentina on March 26, which last year was won by Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttiila.
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