Matthew Wilson is the latest driver to be announced for next month’s Rally of Nations Guanajuato.
The 35-year-old will lead Team GB’s lineup on the León-based April 1-3 event, competing in a Rally2 car.
It will be Wilson’s first time rallying in Mexico since 2011 (when he retired with an electrical fault) and the former M-Sport World Rally Championship driver is looking forward to experiencing the Mexican atmosphere once again.
“I always did enjoy it. It was a unique challenge,” said Wilson.
“I think they look like they’ve got a good format. It’s got a full on day on Saturday and Sunday but the street stage on the Friday night and stuff. It’s got a nice feel to it itinerary wise.
“The atmosphere was always incredible, that was the thing. That side of it was always brilliant.
“I think they’ve got the little super special on the circuit as well which is always a good atmosphere.
“I think from an atmosphere point-of-view, it was always one of the best in that sense. I think it will be a good event.”
One of the unique aspects of the Mexican stages is their height above sea-level: “It’s different to anywhere else with the altitude and lack of power,” Wilson explained.
“You had to have a slightly different style of driving just to make sure you tried not to kill the speed unnecessarily because obviously with less power it was always harder to get it back if you like.
“Obviously previously with the WRC event, more power was available to begin with so I imagine it will be even more important in a Rally2 car than what we’ve seen before.
“It will be the same for everybody.”
Although Wilson is now a director at M-Sport and doesn’t compete full-time anymore, he is no stranger to the controls of a modern rally car having contested most of last year’s British Rally Championship – winning the Grampian Forest Rally in Scotland.
Harri Rovanperä (Finland) and Mads Østberg (Norway) are the other two confirmed entrants alongside Wilson thus far.