FIA JWRC leader to undertake México recce

McRae Motorsport driver Kris Meeke will undertake the reconnaissance for Corona Rally México, despite this being one of the rounds the FIA Junior World Rally Championship contender has elected to drop from his points tally.

After winning the opening event of the Championship in Monte-Carlo, Meeke leads the series in his McRae Motorsport Kronos Racing Citroën C2. The 2003 British S1600 Champion, and co-driver Chris Patterson, will make the long journey to México to gain experience of the event, in preparation for an all-out assault on the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship.

“For me it's very important to learn about the rallies I haven't been to,” said Kris. “If you don't have the chance to compete then this is the next best thing; you learn so much about the stages and conditions. During the rally I'll stay on with the Citroën team so I can learn even more and take in a lot of technical information for next year. I'll also then know what to expect locally; from the people, area, weather, everything, and all that experience takes away a lot of the stress and hassle on an event.”

Adding to his comments, former FIA World Rally Champion and mentor Colin McRae said: “We’ve had a great start to the year, it couldn’t have been better. When you get that start it makes everything a wee bit easier and gives you more confidence. Experience everywhere helps and that’s why Kris is going to México. It’s still a new rally for nearly everyone and by all accounts quite a tricky one, so it’s an ideal one to go to and learn for the future.”

Corona Rally México is the second event in the eight-round FIA Junior World Rally Championship.