Rally Mexico: Start ceremony report

CORONA RALLY MEXICO KICKS OFF IN STYLE The start ceremony for the 2005 Corona Rally Mexico, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, was as traditional as it was spectacular in the beautiful city of Guanajuato this evening. In ...

CORONA RALLY MEXICO KICKS OFF IN STYLE

The start ceremony for the 2005 Corona Rally Mexico, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, was as traditional as it was spectacular in the beautiful city of Guanajuato this evening. In true national style, it was awash with colour and passion and an estimated 15,000 spectators packed the narrow cobblestone streets and rooftops, delighting in the arrival of the FIA World Rally Championship crews for the second year.

Mariachi bands and traditional dancers from the host and neighbouring states entertained with evocative music and vibrant dances, but it was the 'Jarocho' - the people from the city of Veracruz - who stole the show. Mixing conventional and modern music and dance, this famous Mexican ensemble provided a truly unique show for the international media, national and international dignitaries.

In the presence of Juan Carlos Romero Hicks, the Governor of the State of Guanajuato, Ford's Toni Gardemeister - the leader of the FIA World Rally Championship - led the 38 competing crews over the ramp, marking what is now a renowned opening ceremony at Corona Rally Mexico.

Tomorrow, however, the action starts in earnest. The opening leg of Corona Rally Mexico takes in two loops of three identical stages covering 146.84 competitive kilometers in a total distance of 418.76 kilometres.