Corona Rally Guanajuato will have a new look in 2016 as it continues to innovate, with the inclusion of the longest stage in the past 30 WRC championships.
After a great deal of hard work and effort, the longest stage in the world championship is finally a reality, and Sunday, March 6 will see the introduction of the new Guanajuato special stage, an 80 km drive that will test drivers to the limit. The leaders will now have to pull out all the stops even on the last day of rally, in order to not only keep the car in good condition until the end, but also make sure that they do not lose too much time in doing so.
Production World Rally champion in 2012 and a participant in the highest category of the WRC since 2013, Mexico’s Benito Guerra Jr. described some of the challenges faced by drivers when racing over 80 km.
“One of the toughest things is how long it takes. For the fastest drivers, it will take them around 52 or 53 minutes. I don’t know the route yet, but that’s roughly how long it’ll take us. And what most worries me about that stage is that it’s on the Sunday, because it’s one thing to do it on the Friday morning, when you’re still fresh, but racing over 80 km on the Sunday after the full rally will be very interesting,” he explained.
“You have to keep a steady pace during that stage; keep up your concentration. And above all, make sure you’re in peak physical condition so that your body can withstand it and avoid getting into an accident. It’s actually incredible how important it is to be in good shape. That’s why I started training a month before; so that I’ll be strong when I get there and able to give it all I’ve got, and surprise a few people during the long stage,” he added.
Itinerary from Thursday to Saturday
On Thursday, the ceremonial start at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas in the city of Guanajuato will once again mark the beginning of the first stage, before the cars head for the racetrack for Super Special night stages two and three.
Las Minas and El Chocolate will be back on the Friday, while the Los Mexicanos stage has been eliminated. These will be followed by the León Street Stage and then two more Super Special stages back at the racetrack.
The Ibarrilla and Otates+El Brinco stages are back on the Saturday, and there will be one run through Agua Zarca again this year in Stage 14.
Saturday afternoon will also see two Super Special Stages, followed by the León street to round off the day.
Sunday opens with the 80 km Guanajuato stage, followed by the Power Stage.
As is now tradition, drivers will then make for the Rally Campus located next to Poliforum León exhibition center, before heading for Foro del Lago for the closing ceremony.
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