March 13, 2005
Solberg wins Rally Mexico

Petter Solberg

Petter Solberg took the newest Subaru World Rally Championship car out for it's first test in competition and gave the Impreza WRC2005 it's first victory in Mexico.

"I'm so pleased that we came through with the rally," said Solberg. "There are still things to do (to the car) and with 13 rallies left, it's still a long way. I'm very pleased -- it's almost a perfect beginning for the new car."

The Norwegian had led Rally Mexico from the first day and never gave up the overall lead, even when under heavy attack by the two Peugeots.

Marcus Gronholm held his second place position since Friday over his teammate Markko Martin. The Finn was 34.5 seconds out of first, with Martin ending the rally over one minute behind Gronholm.

"For the team, it's good," commented Gronholm. "Everybody knows I can win and now they know I can come second - but this doesn't mean I will stay second all year..."

Martin still appears at a loss on the setup of his new ride this season: "It's been good all through the weekend and I am happy that the team has achieved second and third in the rally and now lead the Manufacturers' Championship. It is a good thing that we are improving the speed of the car but there is still a lot to be done yet."

The top three finishers made this rally their own from the first special stage on Friday to the final 44.39 kilometers long SS14 to end Sunday's run for glory. They also took today very easy, the best finish by the trio was Solberg's third on SS13.

The comeback story was that of Sebastien Loeb's run after ending Friday in 14th position, the defending WRC champion placed his Citroen in fourth today.

Loeb's SS wins all three days propelled him in his overtaking of Ford's Toni Gardemeister and Mitsubishi's Harry Rovanpera. Loeb took both special wins today.

"When I saw I could get the places back, I pushed hard and we were coming back very fast," reflected Loeb. "The car cannot be perfect every time. I am very happy with the result and the battle for the Championship is never finished -- in the end, everything is possible."

Rovanpera was seven seconds adrift of Loeb and 7.5-seconds in front of Gardemeister to take fifth. Rovanpera placed second in both of the final stages ran today. Gardemeister was fourth best in SS13 and third fastest on SS14.

Another Ford finished seventh behind the Ford factory drivers, Andy Warmbold wrapped up his stellar run in Mexico with a fine performance today.

Giles Panizzi gave Mitsubishi two top-ten finishes with an eighth overall.

Armin Schwarz came home ninth for the debut rally of the Skoda Fabia WRC 05.