Today’s route was the longest of the rally at 152.40 competitive kilometres and covered six mountain stages before returning to Leon for three short spectator stages. Capitalising on his favourable position running seventh on the road, Latvala was able to power over the smoother roads, gaining more of an advantage stage by stage. The Finn had a scare in the opening test when he clipped a rock, but other than overheating brakes later in the day, he has had a trouble-free run through the second full day of competition. Team-mate Ogier made a few mistakes in the first stage this morning, but he has otherwise been happy with his performance considering his road sweeping role. Sordo had to contend with the engine overheating this morning and he lost time with a spin, but the Spaniard has fared better this afternoon and, following the retirement of Andreas Mikkelsen, now has a more comfortable third position. Before this, Sordo was under mounting pressure from the Norwegian, but an accident in SS15 put paid to a fight to the finish.

As a consequence, Østberg inherited Mikkelsen’s fourth position and has run without problems, other than a glitch with the gearshift earlier in the day. With team-mate Eric Camilli retiring from the day after an accident in the first stage, the Norwegian now has the weight of manufacturer points for M-Sport on his shoulders. Hayden Paddon has had a frustrating day; he broke part of the suspension after hitting a rock, had a stall, brake and gearbox problems this afternoon. He is fifth overnight. Ott Tanak has had a clean run to sixth and Martin Prokop is seventh, the Czech driver struggling with damaged steering and a scare with the alternator. Lorenzo Bertelli is eighth in his Fiesta RS WRC and Teemu Suninen continues to head the FIA WRC 2 Championship category, the Finn with a massive advantage. Michel Fabre continues his unchallenged run in the FIA WRC 3 Championship.

Returning under Rally 2 regulations, Thierry Neuville was once again forced into retirement following an accident in the second stage.

Only one day remains, but Sunday is long and could provide a real sting in the tail. The day kicks off with the daunting 80 kilometre Guanajuato test – the longest special stage in the WRC for nearly 30 years – before crews head to the closing Power Stage. In total, the route takes in a further 96.47 competitive kilometres.

Rally Mexico – Unofficial results after Section 5