W2RC

Desafío Ruta 40 YPF Infinia 2024: First Stage Summary

Al Rajhi overtook Al Attiyah, who faced mechanical problems and penalties.

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Nasser Al Attiyah, with two consecutive victories in Abu Dhabi and Portugal, arrived in Argentina aiming to win the race and secure a third world title. However, Yazeed Al Rajhi, known for his tenacity, prevailed. After finishing third in 2022 and second in 2023, Al Rajhi is seeking his first world title. In today's duel, Al Rajhi defeated Al Attiyah, who faced suspension issues and received a 20-second penalty for exceeding the speed limit, increasing Al Rajhi's lead to 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Lucas Moraes, with a cool head, positioned himself third, while Seth Quintero lost time after getting stuck in a ditch.

Challenger Category

Rokas Baciuska described his day as "survival" on a slippery and winding terrain. With a 4 minute and 12 second lead over Nicolás Cavigliasso, Baciuska leads the race in Argentina. Marcelo Gastaldi and Dania Akeel from BBR are just over 9 minutes behind. In SSV, Yasir Seaidan had issues with his new engine, allowing Sebastian Guayasamin to take the race lead, followed by Rebecca Busi at 2 minutes and 52 seconds. Enrico Gaspari, penalized for speeding, is 4 minutes and 49 seconds behind the leader.

Lucas Moraes' Comeback

Lucas Moraes, after a wheel failure during the prologue, started in the last position. Despite the challenging track conditions in Córdoba, he overtook 18 of his 27 competitors, achieving a third place finish, 5 minutes and 51 seconds behind the winner.

Tomorrow in San Juan

The caravan heads to San Juan, where it hasn't competed since 2018. The bivouac will be at the San Juan Villicum circuit, which has hosted major events such as WorldSBK and ISDE. Tomorrow's stage, described by race director Pablo Eli, will start on mountainous and winding terrain, then become faster. With an unexplored salt flat section, dust is expected in the final kilometers.

Program:

  • June 4 - Stage 2: Córdoba - San Juan (Liaison: 301 km / Special: 423 km / Total: 724 km)
  • June 5 - Stage 3: San Juan - San Juan (Liaison: 137 km / Special: 341 km / Total: 478 km)
  • June 6 - Stage 4: San Juan - La Rioja (Liaison: 254 km / Special: 412 km / Total: 666 km)
  • June 7 - Stage 5: La Rioja - Córdoba (Liaison: 301 km / Special: 218 km / Total: 519 km)

Local time: GMT-3

Imagen de Goczal wins in Ultimate in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge of the World Rally-Raid Championship
W2RC
Goczal wins in Ultimate in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge of the World Rally-Raid Championship

The Pole takes his first win in the category, while the Qatari faces the last stage with Moraes lurking in the background.

Imagen de Loeb leads after stage 2 in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
W2RC
Loeb leads after stage 2 in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Dacia scores double on day two as Loeb takes over the lead

Imagen de Nasser Al Attiyah crowned champion in Rallye Du Maroc 2024
W2RC
Nasser Al Attiyah crowned champion in Rallye Du Maroc 2024

The Qatari wins his third world title, while Baciuska dominates in the Challenger category. Toyota Gazoo Racing retains its constructors' crown.