Rally Argentina 2008

Now, as part of my degree we are to write a blog on a subject that interests us. So for this post, I will look at Rally Argentina that will run this weekend.

This weekend the World Rally Championship will be paving the way on the gravel roads in Argentina. Rally Argentina is the fourth round of the WRC this year and the second round held in the Americas this month after Rally Mexico.

The event is based in the town of Villa Carlos Paz and is generally seen as one of the most spectacular events on the calendar. Stages are mostly sandy gravel, which can cause ruts in the road for back running cars and second passes of stages, as well as river crossings which make for interesting viewing for the many spectators that file out to watch the event.

A favourite among the drivers, Rally Argentina pulls out the spectators. Many say that the enthusiasm of the spectators really makes the rally special.

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The Driver's Championship also looks to be hotting up this weekend. Four-time world champion Sebastian Loeb goes into this event second on 20 points, a mere one point behind championship leader Mikko Hirvonen. Loeb is the favourite for the event, having won the '05, '06 and '07 Rally Argentina. Jari-Matti Latvala rounds out the top three drivers on 16 points, his pace this year has amazed everyone, his win in Sweden making him the youngest to win a WRC rally at only 22 years old. This will be only his second start on this event. Australian Chris Atkinson sits next closest fourth in the Driver's Championship on 14 points.

In the Manufacturer's Championship, BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT continue their excellent form of last year on top with 37 points, while Subaru WRT and Citroen Total WRT both sit on 25 points.

Along with the Driver's and Manufacturer's Championships, this years Rally Argentina will play host to the P-WRC, production cars. Juho Hanninen with Ralliart New Zealand is leading after one round in Sweden.

Rally Argentina kicks off on Thursday 27th March with the Ceremonial Start at 20:30 local time.


Wrc.com always has full coverage including stage times, videos and WRC podcasts.


- Six more rounds until Rally New Zealand.