It was a breakthrough event for Chevrolet in Mexico who finally lived up to their promise by delivering a points scoring finish in each race. Benefiting from each team having to learn the Puebla track for the first time, the level playing field played into the hands of Chevrolet, especially since their underpowered Lacetti saloon was not so restricted on a circuit that needed agility rather than speed. It was an especially important event for Chevrolet too as Mexico is a vital car market for the brand. Star of the weekend for the team was Rob Huff who came home a strong sixth place in the first race and was running in the top five in the next race, only for a self induced spin to force him into retirement. Nonetheless, Nicola Larini took advantage by securing his first points of the year in seventh place, while Alain Menu finished down in 13th after a first race retirement.
Although Chevrolet are under no illusions that they are now on the same pace as the leading three teams, Mexico was a clear indicator that the biggest budget in the WTCC is finally paying dividends. Spa though is expected to herald a greater challenge for all three drivers with sheer grunt being a major advantage on the fast straights and flowing corners, which is something the Lacetti has lacked since the beginning of the year. Still, the advantage of no success ballast could aid Chevrolet’s cause, but a similarly impressive performance as in Mexico is not expected this time.
Did Ford miss a trick by not travelling to Mexico last month? With the usual order upset it could have been a great opportunity for Ford to capitalise on the unpredictable results and perhaps secure their first top ten of the year. As it happens though, the six week break has enabled the Hotfiel Sport team to develop the so far off the pace Focus in a bid to make it more competitive. The head of Team RS Eberhard Braun has high hopes that they have managed to find the invaluable extra speed which could see them higher on the grid in Belgium.
![Dirk Muller [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/146044.jpg)
