History 2000s

2004 Rally Mexico (Mexico)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2004 Rally Mexico (Mexico)

Date: March 12–14, 2004

Start Location: Guanajuato, Mexico

Finish Location: León, Mexico

Total Distance: ~1,000 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 394.43 km

Surface: Gravel (high-altitude)

The WRC’s first official visit to Mexico brought a unique mix of high-altitude engine strain and dusty mountain trails. Markko Märtin adapted quickly, managing the challenging elevation and rough surfaces to claim a confident win and further Ford’s momentum with the new Focus RS WRC.

Route

El Chocolate: Long and flowing — altitude peaked over 2,700 meters, testing engines and cooling systems.
Ibarra: Twisty mountain descent with drop-offs and loose gravel, demanding full concentration.
Guanajuato Street Stage: A fan-favorite tunnel run through cobbled roads and historic alleyways — a unique urban opener.

The rally was centered around León, with stages running through arid hills and hard-packed gravel tracks. Notable stages included:

With thinner air and limited grip, drivers had to balance aggression with mechanical sympathy to survive the full weekend.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Markko Märtin & Michael Park · Ford Focus RS WRC
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Marc Martí · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
François Duval & Stéphane Prévot · Ford Focus RS WRC

Märtin led from early on and kept a strong, controlled pace through the stages. Sainz stayed close with a smart, measured drive, while Duval impressed with a clean rally to deliver Ford a double podium.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Altitude: Engines lost as much as 20–30% power due to thin air — vehicle setup had to prioritize torque and cooling.
  • Loose Gravel: Early runners swept the surface clean — later drivers had slightly more traction in the grooves.
  • Urban Stages: Transitioning from city center tunnels to open country required precise brake bias and tire strategy.

Märtin’s win in Mexico confirmed his all-surface skill and boosted Ford’s campaign — while also marking the successful debut of one of the calendar’s most distinctive and demanding rallies.

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