Philips Rally
Argentina: five
reasons to get
excited

1: Ford stand-in Sordo set to shine

With Jari-Matti Latvala out injured, Dani Sordo has been drafted in to the factory Ford line-up. While he might be lacking in knowledge of his Fiesta RS WRC, recent performances, including his Power Stage win in Portugal, mark him out as a strong contender for victory, which would be his first in the world championship.

2: Loeb out for revenge

Eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb rarely makes mistakes but when he does he tends to hit back in crushing fashion. The Citroen star’s error in Portugal resulted in his title lead being narrowed to four points. His response in Argentina is likely to be dramatic as he looks to extend his winning run in the country dating back to 2005.

3: The ultimate test of endurance

With a competitive distance of 503 kilometres and one run over a 66-kilometre stage on the final day, this year’s Philips Rally Argentina could turn into a survival of the fittest with car and crew set to undergo a huge test.

4: Local star Ligato back in the PWRC

As well as hosting round five of the main WRC, Rally Argentina forms round three of the Production Car World Rally Championship and signals the return of Marcos Ligato to the global stage. The Argentine is set to challenge for victory in the showroom class and will receive plenty of backing from the local fans.

5: Ex-F1 racer to make WRC debut

Eliseo Salazar, who shot to fame when Nelson Piquet attacked him after the pair collided in the 1982 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, will make his world championship debut in a MINI John Cooper Works WRC aged 57. The Chilean is never one to shy away from a challenge having contested the Indianapolis 500, Le Mans 24 Hours and Dakar Rally in the past.

Photo: McKlein