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 Originally run as Rally America in 1979, Rally Mexico has seen changes along the way. Inititally a national championship rally, event turned into a small-scale emulation of Paris-Dakar with overnight halts in tents. In late 1980's and again mid-1990's rally was not held for several years in running but all changed when rally was again resurrected in 1996. Slowly rally was brought up to international level with ultimate aim for inclusion in the WRC.
Two years later event was moved to Leon where it is based today and after turn of the millenia Rally Mexico gained FIA observatory status and was somewhat unexpectedly included in the championship for 2004.
Character of the rally is not readily apparent and it may take some years before event can be fully classified. From initial reports it seems that Rally Mexico is very peculiar and unique event, a mix of New Zealand and Acropolis. Roads are good and very fast but mixed in places with narrow and rough sections which call for a care and patience from the driver. High altitudes sap power from the engines, just like in Argentina.
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| 2004:
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Martin, Markko
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Ford Focus RS WRC 03
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95.90 km/h
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| 2005:
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Solberg, Petter
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Subaru Impreza WRC2005
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96.60 km/h
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| 2006:
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Loeb, Sebastien
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Citroen Xsara WRC
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94.97 km/h
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| 2007:
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Loeb, Sebastien
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Citroen C4 WRC
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96.24 km/h
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| 2008:
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Loeb, Sebastien
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Citroen C4 WRC
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93.15 km/h
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Dry and barren landscape where only cactus greets rally cars
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Stages are generally smooth and fast gravel
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Route runs on high altitude, sapping engine power
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Driver wins
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Loeb, Sebastien (3)
Martin, Markko (1)
Solberg, Petter (1)
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Manufacturer wins
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Citroen (3)
Ford (1)
Subaru (1)
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