SS9: Safety concerns lead to stage cancellation

Stage nine of Rally Guanajuato Mexico has been cancelled amid safety concerns after a competing car was struck by a rock thrown by a member of the public.

A statement from the event organisers said: “Rally Guanajuato Mexico 2012 [regrets] that car number eight driven by Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul was struck by a rock thrown at the car on stage five, Ortega, this morning. Both driver and co-driver were fortunately not harmed and are continuing in the event.

“The organisers of the rally are quite clear that this dangerous behaviour by an irresponsible individual is completely unacceptable. To ensure the safety of the competitors the second running of that stage (stage nine) has been cancelled. We urge all spectators to support us to ensure the safe running of this event.”

Crews will now head to the Monster Street Stage Leon, which takes place within sight of the permanent service park in the city, and is due to get underway at 17:24hrs local time.

Daniel Elena, the multiple Rally Mexico-winning co-driver, said of the run: “The stage here is right next to the service park and it’s mostly straights and hairpins, a bit like some of the other superspecials we do this year. But at least there is a lot of variety as there are many different superspecial stages that we drive on this event.”