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Latvala back to winning ways

In an interview a few weeks ago, Jari-Matti Latvala said "Things are on the up no." After failing to pick up points twice in Monte-Carlo and Sweden, at the third rally of the year in Monte Carlo, the Finn proved impressively that he hasn't forgotten how to win. He dominated the first gravel rally of the year and won with a lead of 1:05 minutes over team-mate Sébastien Ogier, who clinched victory on the closing power stage.

Jari-Matti's mood was appropriately relaxed at the finish line. "A fantastic feeling," said Jari-Matti. "I had a difficult start to the season, with no points in the first two rallies. This rally was perfect. I'm back!" It was JML's 16th WRC victory of his career; he got nine of these for the Volkswagen brand. Latvala drove a tactically clever rally in the Mexican mountain air and didn't let his rivals get a look in.

On Saturday, world champion Ogier already recognised that he stood no chance against Jari-Matti. "Jari-Matti is just too strong here," said Ogier, who finished second in Mexico, clinched the one-two victory for Volkswagen this year and further extended his lead in the world championship. Ogier's victory on the power stage saw him pick up three bonus points.

Going into the final day, Latvala already had an advantage of 1:36 minutes over Seb. Things looked to be in the bag. But the 80-kilometre Guanajuato stage with its many demanding passages and spectacular jumps had to be completed on Sunday. Latvala didn't take any unnecessary risks. Team-mate Ogier, who was at a disadvantage the previous two days having to take to the track first and play "road sweeper", was impressive on the marathon stage and got a fantastic time, which saw him reduce Latvala's lead by 25.3 seconds. However, Latvala's advantage didn't drop below the one-minute mark on the closing power stage.

Andreas Mikkelsen suffered disappointment in Mexico. After second place in Monte Carlo and fourth place in Sweden, an accident on Saturday forced the Norwegian to retire early in Mexico. Until that point, Mikkelsen was in the running for a podium position.