Volkswagen Motorsport Look to Win Record 13th Straight Rally in Argentina

The last time the top step of the WRC’s podium was occupied by anything other than a VW driver was a year ago in Argentina. Since then, Volkswagen Motorsport have gone on to win 12 straight rallies. Tomorrow, they’ll be looking to make it 13, with a win on the rally that last defeated them, the Rally Argentina.

It will be no easy feat, though. Not only is 13 straight WRC victories nearly unheard of, but they’ll be trying to do it in Argentina, one of, if not the hardest rallies on the calendar.

The Argentine rally takes drivers on a tour of the three valleys of Cordoba province. These feature rocky roads, soft sandy paths, early autumn fog, and a brand new street stage in Cordoba city. Recent rains, too, will make for treacherous river crossings.

Despite that, the cars are quick in Argentina. Last year Ogier led the rally, until he was forced to retire from the competition. Mikkelsen, too, fell out of the race after a high-speed spin broke a half-shaft. Volkswagen’s third driver, Latvalla also had mechanical issues, suffering a broken gearbox and more.

The biggest competition this season is internal. Sebastien Ogier, the golden boy, won the first two rallies of the 2016 season, but has never won Argentina. Latvala proved he has the pace to win, finishing Rally Guanajuato Mexico in first. Mikkelsen, meanwhile, is a young hot shot, with oodles of pace and energy.

The racing starts tomorrow in Cordoba City and will continue throughout the weekend. You can follow the action on WRC website.

The post Volkswagen Motorsport Look to Win Record 13th Straight Rally in Argentina appeared first on VWVortex.

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