Dennis Kuipers turned out to be one of the surprises on the opening day of Rally Mexico. Together with co-pilot Frederic Miclotte, he wanted to consolidate his strong seventh position without taking major risks but a crash on the opening stage of the second day caused a premature exit.
A disappointed Kuipers commented: “In a right-left combination the car clipped a left bend, we rolled into a ditch and we ended up on our side.” Both he and Miclotte walked away unharmed from the Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
The damage to the World Rally Car was not but major, but after inspection by the team, it appeared that the roll cage was damaged. In such circumstances, the rules prohibit further participation.
“Until the crash the rally was going really well. I felt at ease in the car and I put in some good stage times”, said the 25-year-old driver. This was clear in the overall standings after the opening day, the FERM Power Tools World Rally Team was in seventh position, the highest ever for Kuipers and the team in a WRC event.
The team will now focus on Rally Portugal, which will be held from 24 to 27 March. In the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Kuipers can benefit from the experience he gained this weekend on gravel in his Fiesta RS WRC.
“Although I think the exit is disappointing, the seventh position after the first day gives me confidence for Portugal,” concludes Kuipers.
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