The Argentinians have had their moments of glory with the drivers who represented them in past editions of the rally-raid. The Patronelli saga made the headlines with no less than five trophies won in the quad category by Marcos and Alejandro between 2010 and 2016… The national colours have also been valiantly defended in the premier category by Orlando Terranova, who regularly lays claim to the podium and again finished 6th last January. Argentina has demonstrated the full extent of its talent in all categories by showing off fresh young bike riders such as Kevin Benavides (4th in 2016) and most recently Franco Caimi (8th in 2017), while Federico Villagra made a success of his switchover to the trucks category by taking 3rd place in 2016, then 4th place in 2017. Victories are within sight...
CÓRDOBA
Argentina’s second largest city is also home to one of the country’s brightest intellectual and cultural hubs. Its vibrant atmosphere is partly due to its wealth of young students: 12% of the city’s total population, one of the highest rates in the world. For rally lovers, it clearly represents one of the most prestigious stages of the world championship. Carlos Sainz secured himself a permanent place in people's hearts here, and Sébastien Loeb turned it into one of his favourite playgrounds by notching up 8 consecutive victories between 2005 and 2013! And yet it was on the tracks here that he lost all hope of victory during the penultimate stage of the 2017 rally!
ARGENTINA, THE DAKAR AT ITS MOST INTENSE
Ever since January 2009, when the rally crossed the Atlantic for the very first time, there has been a sort of allegiance between the Dakar and Argentina. Immediately won over by the warm-hearted “Porteños”, the drivers and their crews experienced the charms of the capital before exploring the country’s vast expanses.
Indeed, with nearly 3,500 km between its border with Bolivia and the tip of the Tierra del Fuego, Argentina is the size of a continent.
Besides Buenos Aires, the Dakar has come to a total of 19 Argentine provinces.
CÓRDOBA: FINAL DESTINATION
In the heart of Argentina lies the second largest city in the country, Córdoba.
The Dakar has naturally and quickly established a foothold here in the Argentinian home of motor sports.
The bivouac has been set up here four times, but trackside fans are even more familiar with the rally than one might expect, since the route has passed through the province seven times. This time round, the final podium will be in Córdoba.
FERIA DAKAR
The exhibition and events of the Feria Dakar bring together all of the rally’s enthusiasts, taking the spirit of the Dakar across the country, far beyond the stopover towns where the bivouacs are set up. The idea originated in Argentina during the 2017 edition; over 150,000 people attended the 13 Ferias organised during the rally.
14th January: Feria Dakar Salta
15th January: Feria Dakar Catamarca
16th January: Feria Dakar La Rioja
17th January: Feria Dakar San Juan
18th January: Feria Dakar Córdoba
19th-20th January: Feria Dakar Villa Carlos Paz
THE FLAG-BEARERS...
Orlando Terranova (car): 5th place, Dakar 2013 and 2014
Kevin Benavides (bike): 4th place, Dakar 2016
Fernando Villagra (truck): 3rd place, Dakar 2016
Jeremías González (quad): 2nd place, Dakar 2015
Pablo Copetti (quad): 3rd place, Dakar 2017
