Mexico, a vibrant land synonymous with a passion for motorsport, is gearing up once again to host the Rally of Nations. Despite not featuring in the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar, the Mexican spirit remains unbreakable. The organizers, with their unwavering resilience, have set their sights on a return to the WRC in 2025.
The Rally of Nations, which stood out in 2022 while Leon was not part of the WRC calendar, amazed the international rally community. The event, held against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra de Lobos in Guanajuato, captivated both rule-makers and fans alike, keeping the Mexican rally scene alive and flourishing.
Event director Gilles Spitalier, along with co-organizer Patrick Suberville, sees the Rally of Nations as more than a competition. It's a showcase of Mexico's rich rally heritage and a preview of what the world is missing when Mexico is not on the WRC calendar. Spitalier's vision goes beyond competition, as he sees the event as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Mexico rally and 200 years of independence in Guanajuato. His enthusiasm is palpable when he speaks of the unmatched festive atmosphere and world-class rally roads that Mexico offers.
The Rally of the Nations introduces a different dynamic to traditional rallying. It features drivers from various countries, competing in cars of different categories, balanced by a carefully considered coefficient. Each nation is represented by two drivers, adding a layer of national pride to the competition.
The 2022 event saw participation from over 30 teams from 12 countries, some representing entire continents. Team Europe emerged victorious, closely followed by Norway and France. It's important to highlight that Mexico's Team 3, composed of the Spitalier brothers, stood out as the most notable among Mexican teams, leading a significant Mexican representation in the top 10.
As preparations for the 2024 Rally of the Nations advance, an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation can be felt. The last weekend of February shapes up as the moment when the rally world will converge in Mexico, promising another memorable edition of the event. Maintaining the stages and formats that have characterized previous editions, and adding new innovations like the 'Las Dunas' stage introduced in the previous edition, the event is set to deliver a true rally spectacle.
