Racing lines: May 2018
Progress has pushed us onto a treadmill of aerodynamics and fractional gains. Should we take a step back to a simpler time? Has downforce ruined motor racing? It’s an age-old…
Sébastien Ogier took victory in a curtailed Rally Mexico last month in what looks destined to be a truncated 2020 World Rally Championship season.
Ogier claimed his first win for Toyota, and the Frenchman has now won the South American round a record-equalling six times to tie old foe Sébastien Loeb.
The rally took place despite criticism that it should be postponed, in the face of growing concerns at the time about the rapidly developing global health crisis. Organisers agreed to conclude the rally on the Saturday, losing three stages, in order for those involved to beat expected travel shutdowns.
Ogier said of his win: “It’s definitely a strange victory for me this weekend… I did not want to race basically and I’ve been convinced to do it.
“I’ve done my job but for me protecting human life should go first and I hope we didn’t bring any harm here to our friends in Mexico.”
A week later, the WRC announced the postponement of Rally Argentina, which had been due to take place on April 23-26.