Ford duo rue errors

ByEurosport

Published 06/03/2006 at 09:36 GMT

Ford drivers Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen were both left ruing errors that cost them a possible victory on last weekend's Rally of Mexico. Gronholm recovered from crashing out on the opening day to finish eighth, while Hirvonen eventually finished 15th after his off on Leg 2.

2006 Mexico Ford Groholm

Image credit: From Official Website

With both Finns riding high after the opening loop off stages on Friday morning, a victory or at least a podium result was on the cards for either driver. However, after sweeping the roads clean in the morning, Gronholm pushed too hard on the first re-run stage and slid off.

"We've enjoyed really good reliability and speed from the car on our first gravel event - it was the driver that made the mistake," said Gronholm, who now lies five points adrift of championship leader Sebastien Loeb.

2006 Mexico Ford Gronholm

Image credit: Imago

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"I would have liked to have had a good fight with Loeb and Solberg and I could have taken a good result without that mistake," he added. "I'm sure we can respond on the next two asphalt rallies because the Focus has a good history on that surface."

Hirvonen, meanwhile, was in an even stronger position as he started the second leg just 4.8sec behind Petter Solberg but crashed out just just 1.7km into the opening 25.23km El Zauco stage after misjudging a crest.

"I'm happy with my speed this weekend but I just need to put my mistakes away," he admitted. "I realise now that I don't need to take any risks to set good stage times. I need to be a bit calmer, but at least we know that the Focus RS is competitive on gravel.

"It has been perfect - it just doesn't run very well on its roof!"