WRC - Subaru/Solberg win Rally Mexico

Sebastien Loeb, Citroen: I really like this rally in Mexico, but it does not like me! I have been pushing very hard since yesterday and today I turned it up a further notch. I honestly drove the final stage as though victory depended on it. It was a near perfect run, perhaps one of the best of my career! Finishing 4th allows me to stay on the heels of the championship leaders and also keeps Citroen in the frame."

Francois Duval, Citroen: They say problems come in threes. I've now done three rallies without being able to defend my chances all the way to the flag and the championship will really begin for me in New Zealand. That said, this was my first outing on gravel with the Xsara. My pace allowed me to compete for third place before my problems. That gives an idea of the potential of the car and the team and that is reassuring concerning my familiarisation with both.

Toni Gardemeister, Ford: I couldn't have driven any faster today, I was flat out all the way. I'm a little disappointed with my final position but happy that we finished in the points. I made some mistakes on the opening day and had it not been for that I think I could have finished higher. I didn't have a good feeling with the car yesterday but the Focus has been strong throughout on what has been a difficult and tough rally.

Malcolm Wilson, BP-Ford Team Director: I'm pleased that Ford kept its points-scoring record intact on a difficult rally but disappointed that Toni could not hold onto fourth. It was the first time Toni has competed here so he goes away with good experience of a tricky event. Roman put in a very good performance. It was his debut in Mexico also and he had a new co-driver alongside so his times were encouraging.

Chris Atkinson, Subaru: Obviously I'm a bit disappointed not to finish, but I think I've learned so much this weekend it's almost irrelevant. The speed has been encouraging; especially as I wasn't pushing so much that we went off the road all the time. The new car feels great, and there's definitely more pace in it yet. In New Zealand I'm going to be looking to get some good experience of the stages and hopefully a useful finish position too.

The Next Round

Round four of the FIA World Rally Championship starts in four week's time when teams will cross the globe for the start of Rally New Zealand. Based in Auckland, the event is a popular one with the drivers who revel in the fast and flowing 'roller coaster' roads, with their heavily banked cambers and rapid direction changes. It's an event that requires strong levels of commitment and natural car control. Starting on 8 April, the three-day event will conclude when the winning car crosses the finish ramp on Sunday 10 April in Auckland.