Argentine Rally Championship crews are really eager to get back to competition this weekend as they embark on one of the greatest contests of the year, the most traditional round of south America to be held in the southern city of General Roca in the Province of Río Negro.
Considered the mother of the rallies, this year’s “Rally Vuelta de la Manzana” – the Apple’s Tour – will be celebrating its 41th editions and nobody wants to miss this unique round, for which 95 crews have crowded the entry list for the sixth round of the season.
Besides its t radition and longevity, the deserted scenery and the abrasive surface where “The Apple” usually takes place have nothing in common with other rounds within Rally Argentino’s calendar. Also this rally is particularly known by its fast-pace roads with many banks of earth in both sides, which demand great precision and a faultless driving.
The series leader Federico Villagra (Ford) comes in high-spirits after clinching his third victory in a row two weeks ago and is eager to claim his sixth win in this particular event that really suit him best.
Villagra’s team-mate Juan Marchetto arises as his main menace. The young VRS driver lost his leadership after ruling out the last round according to what the current regulation stated. “Coyote” will dismiss the eighth showdown.
Both of them, however, will have to take on the Scuderia Fiat drivers Claudio Menzi and Cristian Confetti who come back to the action after a one-month break. Also, the Tango drivers Marcos Ligato and Juan Gil De Marchi, both at the wheel of Chevrolet Agile, will fight for the victory. Indeed, Ligato clinched two victories in the event. Alejandro Cancio (Peugeot), one of the local heroes, is another candidate.
The event kicks off this Friday with a spectacular Super Special to be held in General Roca’s main water channel. On Saturday and Sunday drivers will tackle 155,20 kilometers, with 7 over the 13 stages scheduled with just a sole run.
Standings
1º) Villagra – 139
2º) Marchetto – 102
3º) Pozzo – 95,5
4º) Menzi – 71,5
5º) Gil De Marchi – 61,5
