The Rally Argentina has been given a resounding thumbs-up by the competing crews following the 26th running of the event at the weekend, the sixth round in the 2006
FIA World Rally Championship.
Indeed a number of the drivers and co-drivers were quick to praise the standard of the event, with the Cordoba super-specials a definite hit, with a crowd of around 40,000 turning out to watch the action at the start and finish of the event.
"Everything about this rally is breathtaking," said event winner,
Sebastien Loeb at the finish. "The scenery, the high-speed water splashes and above all the fantastic welcome we get from the Argentine fans, who give us the best reception in the world."
Junior WRC winner Guy Wilks also reckons that it is a top event and felt that it was a good addition to the JWRC series - even if, controversially, only four 'junior' crews did opt to contest it.
"It was very challenging. We have always had rough rallies in the JWRC and I don't think that's a bad thing," explained the Brit. "It brings a lot of character out of the driver, there is definitely a place for this rally - although it has been very tough-going. We are normally on the same pace as the Group N cars, but on this event there have been a lot of uphill sections where we couldn't get the traction. You have to keep the car moving."
Wilks' co-driver, Phil Pugh meanwhile felt that a number of the other events in the WRC could learn from the organisation on the South American event, particularly on the crowd control front.
"The roads books and everything like that were very good," continued Pugh. "I have to say, though, that I am amazed at how the police manage to control so many spectators. It's incredible, hard to believe in some places. It's great to see. I think a few other rallies could learn a lot from this event."
Gigi Galli's co-driver, Giovanni Bernacchini echoed the sentiments of his fellow competitors: "This is the third time I have done this rally. It's very good, very difficult. The organisation worked in a good way, we didn't see any problems. It was very good for the organisation. The people are amazing here, fantastic to see in every stage and on the road sections. The people were everywhere - it was very funny and very good."
