Author name: Sergio Spinoza

The thrill of motorsport is coming back to Huatulco, Oaxaca, with the highly anticipated second edition of the Rally Made in Mexico, taking place from February 27 to March 2, 2025. This unique event will be hosted at the Hotel Camino Real, solidifying its status as one of the most important rallies in Mexico. AN EVENT DESIGNED BY DRIVERS Under the coordination of Paulina Granados, the Rally Made in Mexico is set to stand out not only for its competitive nature but also for its cultural and festive atmosphere. With the motto “Designed by drivers for drivers”, this edition aims to bring together the best national and international rally racers, including prominent women in key sporting and operational roles. Key figures in the event include Gilles Spitalier, operations director of the Rally México WRC, and Hilaire Damiron, head of the drivers’ committee, which features members such as Gabriel Pérez, Jérôme Seignon, Alexis Uribe, and Laura Damiron. Paulina Granados stated: “Our goal is to preserve the essence of rallying in Mexico while promoting female participation and ensuring a safe and memorable experience for everyone involved.” ICONIC ROUTES The rally route spans 180 kilometers, connecting Huatulco, Pluma, and San Pedro Huamelula. Drivers will face unique challenges as they navigate the iconic “MEX 200” highway, offering breathtaking views of Oaxaca’s coast and mountains. Over two days of competition, participants will test their endurance and skills under challenging conditions, with the approval of the Mexican Motorsport Federation and the National Rally Commission of Mexico AC. CATEGORIES AND TOP DRIVERS The event will feature several competition categories, including: Modern Cars (1995-2024):Subcategories Modern Pro and Modern Plus. Vintage Cars (1950-1994):Subcategories Vintage Pro and Vintage Plus. Confirmed drivers include: Benito Guerra Jr., world rally champion. Juan Carlos Peralta, from the Peralta Racing Team. Miguel Granados, from the Martini Racing Team. Gabriel Pérez, from the Museo del Automóvil RT. AN ALL-ROUND EXPERIENCE The Rally Made in Mexico is not just a celebration of motorsport; it also highlights local gastronomy and culture. Attendees will enjoy interactive activities, meet-and-greets with drivers, and unique shows that showcase the traditions of Oaxaca. With a commitment to promoting inclusion and highlighting the country’s cultural richness, this event positions itself as one of the most exciting on the motorsport calendar in Mexico.

The Netflix series “Senna” revisits the story of legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, who forever changed Formula 1. This production delves into his life, achievements, and the tragic events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, which left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. A LEGEND IN FORMULA 1 Ayrton Senna claimed three Formula 1 World Championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991, securing his place among the sport’s greatest figures. Over his career, the Brazilian raced for legendary teams such as McLaren, Lotus, Toleman, and Williams, the team he was driving for during his fatal accident in 1994.     The darkest moment of his life occurred at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit, where Senna, behind the wheel of a car designed by Adrian Newey (now an engineer at Aston Martin), crashed into a wall at over 300 km/h. The impact caused severe skull fractures that ultimately led to his death. Netflix’s “Senna” offers a unique opportunity to bring Ayrton Senna’s life and legacy closer to audiences. This type of production not only honors the memory of legendary figures but also educates and inspires new generations who may not fully grasp the magnitude of his impact. A WEEKEND MARKED BY DANGER The Netflix series portrays what many consider one of the “black weekends” in Formula 1 history. A day before Senna’s accident, fellow driver Rubens Barrichello suffered a terrifying crash during free practice. Although his car flipped and was severely damaged, Barrichello survived. According to Adriana Gallisteu, Senna’s girlfriend at the time, the driver already had a bad feeling about the race. “Ayrton called me. He had a bad feeling and told me he didn’t want to race,” she revealed. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT Senna’s accident raised many questions about the car’s condition. In later interviews, Adrian Newey acknowledged potential issues with the steering column of the car. However, he also mentioned a possible rear right tire puncture as a factor in the crash. “No one will ever know exactly what happened. The steering column failed, but it’s unclear if it caused the accident. There were unusual signs in the car’s behavior,” Newey explained. THE SERIES AND ITS IMPACT This Brazilian production consists of six episodes, each lasting approximately one hour. Netflix narrates the life, achievements, and challenges of the driver, while also exploring his impact on the world of motorsport. The episodes are titled: Vocation, Determination, Ambition, Passion, Hero, and Time.     “Senna,” available on the streaming platform since November 29, pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures in motorsport, revisiting his legacy and the tragedy that shook the Formula 1 world. BEYOND TRIUMPHS AND TRAGEDIES Personally, documenting the lives of figures like Senna is vital to keeping the history of motorsport alive. Beyond triumphs and tragedies, these stories convey values such as passion, sacrifice, and commitment, essential elements in any area of life. The well-structured narrative of the series, its focus on both technical and human aspects, and the way it revisits the events of the fateful weekend at Imola 1994 are key to understanding how his legacy transformed safety standards and the sport itself. Productions like this enrich sports culture, honor the heroes who defined an era, and foster admiration for disciplines as complex as Formula 1. Supporting projects that preserve and perpetuate these stories is crucial to maintaining the spirit of the sport’s greats.

The first electric school bus is set to debut in Mexico City, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility. This innovative vehicle underscores the city’s commitment to environmental protection and reducing pollutant emissions. A STEP TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY The “LiPU by Traxión” electric bus, with a capacity for 44 passengers, combines cutting-edge technology and comfort. It offers a range of up to 210 kilometers per charge, regenerative braking, reclining seats, and an optimized body design that ensures safety and comfort.     “The launch of this bus is more than a technical achievement; it’s a call to society to embrace the commitment to transform our way of moving,” said Elías Dana, General Director of Mobility for Traxión. This initiative is part of Traxión’s sustainability strategy, which in 2024 prevented the emission of over 60,000 tons of carbon through the implementation of energy efficiency measures and clean technologies. BENEFITS FOR THE CITY The electric school bus is designed to operate in the western area of Mexico City, a region with a high concentration of vehicle traffic. Incorporating this technology aims to improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and promote a model of sustainable mobility.     During the unveiling event, Luis Aranda Terrones, Director of Freight and Specialized Transport for Mexico City, emphasized the importance of adopting electric vehicles in public transport to reduce carbon emissions and progress toward a cleaner future. A CLEANER FUTURE LiPU by Traxión’s initiative is just the beginning. The company aims to lead the transition toward more efficient and environmentally responsible transport. “This project shows us that change is possible, but it requires the collective effort of society,” Dana concluded.     The introduction of the electric school bus not only benefits students and their families but also sends a strong message about the importance of sustainability in urban mobility. This advancement positions Mexico City as a pioneer in implementing clean technologies in public transportation.

Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Red Bull Racing driver, faced a challenging weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, where a spin ended his race early, marking his fourth retirement in the 2024 season. A PROMISING START Pérez started within the top ten and climbed to seventh place after a strong opening. During the second safety car, he pitted for a tire change, rejoining with potential to secure important points. However, changing conditions and an unexpected incident altered his outcome.     The Mexican driver explained that upon restarting, his hard tires failed to reach the optimal temperature, further complicated by an engine overload. This led to a spin in the middle of the track. “I lost momentum, I simply couldn’t control the car,” Pérez stated about the unfortunate moment. INVESTIGATION WITH NO PENALTIES After the incident, the stewards reviewed the case, initially labeling it as “dangerous driving.” However, the final verdict attributed the situation to a clutch failure, ruling out any deliberate actions by the driver. The official report stated: “The driver’s attempt to recover the car was viable under normal conditions, but the mechanical failure caused the incident.” This decision spared the Mexican driver from further penalties. A WEEKEND OF LEARNING Despite the retirement, Red Bull Racing turned this setback into an opportunity for improvement. Adjustments made to Pérez’s car’s suspension before the Sprint race proved crucial in fine-tuning the performance of Max Verstappen’s car, who ultimately won the Grand Prix. “We used the Sprint as a test session that allowed us to find a positive direction with the car,” Pérez said. Now, the Mexican driver and his team aim to consolidate these learnings as they approach the season finale in Abu Dhabi. CHECO LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Looking ahead to the last race of the year, Pérez remains optimistic about the improvements made to the RB20. “I hope we can confirm everything we’ve learned and finish the season on a high note,” he concluded.     While the Qatar GP left a bitter taste, the Mexican driver continues to work on strengthening his position in the championship and contributing to the team’s development, proving that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The next chapter for Checo Pérez will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he will strive to close the 2024 season strong and reaffirm his place among Formula 1’s elite.