PWRC preview:
Philips Rally
Argentina

The LOTOS Dynamic Rally Team driver heads the PWRC standings by 15 points following his class victory on Rallye Monte-Carlo in January and his podium finish on the last event in Mexico in early March.

He undertook a test in Italy earlier this month designed specifically to prepare for the gruelling 503-kilometre competitive route, which is set to provide a huge test for he and his 10 category rivals, who will take part in standard-specification cars.

“I’m very happy with the results we have achieved during this test session,” said Kosciuszko, who will pilot a Ralliart Italy-run Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in Argentina. “We put a lot of work into the suspension and the effects are visible. Rally Argentina is primarily a test of endurance. The team will be required to prepare a perfect car and I cannot make any mistakes. It will be an important race for the championship and I cannot wait for this event.”

Kosciuszko will face stiff opposition in Argentina from a host of rivals including Benito Guerra, who claimed a maiden PWRC win in Mexico, multiple Peruvian champion Nicolas Fuchs and local hero Marcos Ligato, who took part on his first Rally Argentina back in 1998.

Ligato is one of a number of drivers beginning their PWRC bids in Argentina. Other first-timers include Mentos Ascania Racing duo Valeriy Gorban and Oleksiy Kikireshko, Bosowa Rally Team’s Subhan Aksa from Indonesia and Mexican Ricardo Trivino, who will pilot a Symtech Racing Subaru Impreza.

Lorenzo Bertelli makes his first start since his opening-stage exit on Rallye Monte-Carlo. Fellow Italian Gianluca Linari will also be in action, as will Swedish lady driver Ramona Karlsson, who made her PWRC debut in Mexico.

“The feeling before the rally is really good,” she said. “We feel much more prepared both mentally and practically and we know more what to expect.”