Latvala cut the difference to Mads Ostberg from 26 seconds to 17.8 for two stages. Latvala wins stage 8 with 1 second faster than his team-mate Petter Solberg while Ostberg lost 8.2 seconds.
Stage 9 was cancelled for safety reason after rock thrown by the public.
The rock was thrown in Ortega 1 to Therry Neuville as the organizers decide to play at safe.
“The organisers of the rally are quite clear that this dangerous behaviour by an irresponsible individual is completely unacceptable. To ensure the safety of the competitors the second running of that stage (stage nine) has been cancelled. We urge all spectators to support us to ensure the safe running of this event.”
Results after SS 8:
1. S. Loeb 1:20:01.5
2. M. Hirvonen +4.5
3. M. Ostberg +1:02.1
4. J. Latvala +1:19.9
5. O. Tanak +1:30.4
6. P. Solberg +1:35.8
Comments:
Latvala: “We have to try to attack if we want to fight back to a podium. It’s been going well in the afternoon with a really good feeling. If I can keep the pressure to them that’s always good but they have a too comfortable lead at the moment.”
 

Latvala is with a new stage win in SS7 Las Minas 2 (15.21km). He wins the stage with 4.2 seconds by Loeb. The flying Finn moves to 4th position while Petter Solberg also moving ahead to 6th position. Latvala is on the way to battle for the podium place again as Mads Ostberg is at 26 seconds ahead into third position.
Results after SS 7:
1. S. Loeb 1:12:16.7
2. M. Hirvonen +3.7
3. M. Ostberg +55.1
4. J. Latvala +1:21.1
5. O. Tanak +1:26.1
6. P. Solberg +1:36.0
 

Latvala win stage 6 El Cubilete 2 (22.12km) with an impressive difference of 6.9 seconds by Sebastien Loeb. In the overall standing Loeb takes the lead by Hirvonen.
Terry Neuville after impressive start is out of the rally after crash.
Results after SS 6:
1. S. Loeb 1:01:09.4
2. M. Hirvonen +2.2
3. M. Ostberg +46.6
4. O. Tanak +1:12.3
5. E. Novikov +1:25.0
6. J. Latvala +1:25.3
Rally Comments:
Loeb: “I was flat out but Jari-Matti was seven seconds faster. I’m pushing very hard. I don’t say I’m scared about Latvala but we have 300 kilometres to go so we have to push.”
 

The overnight leader Petter Solberg has two punctures that caused him loss of almost one minute and half, while Latvala lost the same time after a broken front suspension arm, caused by striking an errant rock. The hopes for Ford Rally Team for rally winner are over.
At the same time the Ford problems cause Citroen to takes the leader position.
Chris Atkinson has a puncture in stage 5 while his team-mate Ken Block broke a driveshaft going off the road and into a ditch.  
Results after SS 5:
1. M. Hirvonen 47:50.1
2. S. Loeb +0.6
3. M. Ostberg +39.9
4. T. Neuville +45.1
5. O. Tanak +1:02.5
6. E. Novikov +1:16.7
7. P. Solberg +1:26.8
8. J. Latvala +1:32.8
Driver’s comments:
Hirvonen: “The stages are extremely difficult but it’s been okay for us with no problems. I’m not planning major changes because I’m very happy with the car.”
Neuville: “So far, so good. I’m happy with my times. We made a few small mistakes when we went out the line but nothing too bad. I will continue like this but for me the main thing is to gain experience.”
 

Mikko Hirvonen moved to the leader position in Rally Mexico after stage 2.
The second place is for the last rally winner Jari-Matti Latvala at 1.0 seconds slower.
Petter Solberg lost 55 seconds in stage 2 El Cubilete 1 (22.12km) as he has a puncture.
Results after SS 2:
1. M. Hirvonen 14:18.1
2. J. Latvala +1.0
3. S. Loeb +5.8
4. T. Neuville +9.2
5. M. Ostberg +14.9
6. O. Tanak +16.0
Comments after SS 2:
Hirvonen: “I slowed down a lot in the end because I was a little worried about tyres. I saw on the splits I was quite well ahead so it was okay.”
Latvala: “I felt quite comfortable but I was a bit afraid of the concrete sections.”
Loeb: “I had a good drive but it was not a perfect stage. I don’t know why.”
Neuville: “I was a little out of line in some places but nothing bad. I am happy with my time and I hope it will continue like this.”
 

Petter Solberg win the first night stage in Rally Mexico 2012. Petter win stage 1 DC Shoes Street Stage with length of 1.05km with 0.4 seconds faster than Sebastien Loeb.
Results after SS1:
1. P. Solberg 53.7
2. S. Loeb +0.4
3. M. Ostberg +0.6
4. M. Hirvonen +0.8
5. J. Latvala +1.0
6. O. Tanak +1.0
Ken Block damaged his front-left bodywork as finished at 20th position at 6.8 seconds.
Ken Block comments: “I didn’t realise how slippery it would be in the tunnel. There was no grip and I hit with the front. It wasn’t what I wanted but it’s not so bad.”
Petter Solberg comments after the end of SS1: “It was very, very difficult I must say because it was slippery in some places. I had a good feeling in there with no crazy attacking. This means a lot to me and the whole team.”
 

Location: Leon (Guanajuato), Mexico, 390 km Northwest by Mexico City.

The rally event starts on Thursday with DC Shoes Guanajuato Street Stage of 1.05 km at 20.09 h.
Sunday is the longest rally stage in rallies Mexico 2012 and whole WRC championship Guanajuatito 54.76 km.
 

There are total 24 special stages in total special distance of 408.50 km.
Since 2006 the rally winner is Sebastien Loeb except 2009 when Rally Mexico is not a part of WRC.
 

Monster World Rally Team starts season 2012 with Rally Mexico. This time Monster World Rally Team will take place with two cars. The first is Ken Block his Ford Fiesta RS WRC as in the second car will come back in WRC Chris Atkinson. The Australian backs in WRC after 3-years away. His last rally in WRC was Rally Ireland in 2009.
Chris Atkinson together with Petter Solberg drive for Subaru World Rally Team from 2005 to 2008.
 

In Mexico WRC Team Mini Portugal drivers are Armindo Araujo and Paulo Nobre while Daniel Sordo will miss the event. The next rally for Daniel Sordo is WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal at the end of March.
In Rally Mexico for Volkswagen Motorsport will take place Sebastien Ogier and Kevin Abbring with Skoda Fabia S2000.
 

For more pictures by the location of Leon and Guanajuato Mexico, please visit our gallery.