Argentina, a rally with a unique atmosphere according to Hyundai

The team Hyundai wants to ride the wave of success during the Rally of Argentina 2019 (April 25-28). German training, winner at the last minute of the Tour de Corse with Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul, longed for “do your best to consolidate the lead in the Drivers and Manufacturers rankings”, explains Andrea Adamo, Team Director.

The Belgian duo will be accompanied by the ghost Andreas Mikkelsen, sidelined on the Isle of Beauty. The Norwegian, who has a fourth best place this season (acquired in Sweden) approaches the fifth round of the 2019 calendar with enthusiasm. “It’s a very nice rally, I really like it. My goal will be to fight at the forefront, we will have a good starting position and that should help us. »

The 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) champion specifies the specifications for this event. “The stages are great because they are quite long and difficult, but the second passage is much more brittle." Car settings are a matter of compromise. “You are looking for a set-up with great responsiveness because of some fast stages. However, you must also increase the ride height so as not to damage the car. It has to be easy to drive.”, He explains. 

The Rally Argentina is distinguished by certain extremely tortuous special stages in the middle of rocky massifs. This is also where tens of thousands of fans are concentrated. “On the courses of Mina Clavero and El Cóndor, there is a crazy world, continues Andreas Mikkelsen. It's great, you really realize it behind the wheel. »

Called alongside Dani Sordo on the third Hyundai, Carlos del Barrio will be making its ninth appearance in South America. The Spaniard confirms the unique atmosphere of these two stages. “Mina Clavero and El Cóndor fight on Sunday. These are two courses so technical and narrow, without them, the Rally Argentina would lose its identity. Obviously, the average speed is lower than the rest of the event, but your main concern is to avoid rocks and stones., analyzes the co-pilot.

The atmosphere is excellent. Some “aficionados” arrive at the scene several days before the start of the rally! They don’t see anything else apart from this special, it’s a big celebration for them. Besides, Spectators help you during connecting courses by moving off the road to let you pass, it’s very much appreciated.”, concludes Dani Sordo’s partner.