FORD COMES UP ON TOP

Manufacturers' Championship Standings

With its recent World Rally Championship (WRC) wins and stunning 43.4% increase in global sales figures, Ford is really on a roll. This was proven when BP Ford Abu Dubai World Rally Team retained the lead of the FIA WRC after a double points haul in Rally Mexico. The results propelled Ford up the manufacturers' standings by six points after two rounds of the 13-rally series.

On the day of the race, the rally drivers were faced with high altitude and slippery gravel roads in the hills above the rally base of Leon, 400km North-west of Mexico City. The speed tests climbed to 2730 metres, and the thin air that height meant engines 'ran out of breath', losing up to 30 per cent of their power. Loose gravel on the surface was a huge disadvantage to the early starters, who swept away the stones to leave a cleaner and faster line for those behind.

However, the boys at Ford proved their mettle and pulled through to take away good points in one of the most difficult rallies.