From European asphalt to South American gravel
After the twisty mountain roads of Corsica in a European spring, the next stop is the colder and often wet gravel of Argentina in South America (27–30 April) during autumn. Two situations that couldn’t provide a bigger contrast. That all adds to the mix we’ve seen so far on this adrenalin-fuelled world tour: slippery roads near Monte-Carlo, snow and ice in Sweden, plus rocks, gravel and heat in Mexico.
Who’s come off best so far? Well, that’s a tough one to call. Four different manufacturers have won the first four rallies, and the top three drivers in the title race — Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Thierry Neuville — all come from different teams (and countries) as well. It couldn’t be closer.
Can the man sitting on top of the pile, France’s four-time world champion Ogier, keep his grip on the championship lead?
Adding to the anticipation and intrigue, Argentina is one of the few rounds the all-conquering Frenchman is yet to win. What’s more the last two events in South America have produced two surprise, debut victors: Kris Meeke breaking his WRC duck with Citroën in 2015 and Hayden Paddon doing the same with Hyundai in 2016.
This year’s route is largely the same as last year. The four-day event kicks off on Thursday evening with a short super-special timed section in the City of Córdoba before heading south into the Santa Rosa de Calamuchita mountains on Friday. Saturday’s stages move to the Punilla Valley and include the classic Tanti-Villa Bustos speed test while Sunday’s finale takes in the stunning landscapes of Traslasierra and the famous Mina Clavero and El Cóndor stages.
Watch Red Bull TV next week, with a mixture of live and highlights programmes from Argentina, to catch all the action. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be spectacular.
• All Rally Argentina programmes will be available to watch on Red Bull TV.
• Friday Highlight Show: Saturday 29 April from 2:00am (BST). Live Coverage: Saturday 29 April at 4:50pm (BST). Saturday Highlight Show: Sunday 30 April from 2:00am (BST). Event Highlight Show: Monday 1 May from 2:00am (BST).
