Sordo: I knew podium was possible

Capitalising on a favourable road position, the Spaniard led the event on Friday night and set three fastest stage times as he eventually finished 1m03.6sec behind winner Sébastien Ogier on Sunday afternoon.

The result was the Hyundai Motorsport driver’s best finish in the WRC since he finished second at RallyRACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada in October 2016.

“We have shown good pace here in previous seasons, so I was optimistic that we would be able to fight for the top-three this weekend,” said Sordo who finished fourth on the Mexican stages in 2013 and 2016.

“I am very happy to score this podium after what has been a competitive but tough weekend. It wasn’t entirely straightforward; even in the Power Stage there was a scary moment when we picked up a rear right puncture.”

Sordo’s second place, coupled with Andreas Mikkelsen’s fourth place and Thierry Neuville’s sixth place in Mexico, also allowed Hyundai to extend its advantage to 12 points at the top of the WRC manufacturers’ championship.

Team Principal Michel Nandan said: “We are delighted to finish the weekend with our best ever Mexico result and to increase our lead of the manufacturers’ championship. Dani and Carlos have had a strong weekend, and it’s great to see them on the podium.”