The Citroën DS3 WRCs covered by a handkerchief

After the first four stages of Rally Argentina (81,24 timed kilometers) Petter Solberg and Sébastien Ogier are lying second and third behind the leader, Jari-Matti Latvala. Sébastien Loeb, who was given a minute’s penalty for checking early, is fifth.

Rally Argentina, which began with a super special, continued this morning on some of the most beautiful roads in South America. The Citroën DS3 WRCs tackled Mina Clavero/Giulio Cesare and El Condor for the first time, two of the highlights of the FIA World Rally Championship.

The DS3 drivers, who were very quick on gravel, lost a few seconds in the long asphalt section in El Condor but were not out-distanced.

After SS4, Petter Solberg is in second place 12.3s behind Jari-Matti Latvala. Sébastein Ogier is third, 16.2s behind. Seven-time world champion Sébastien Loeb is 1m 18.3s in arrears after being penalized at the entrance to the service park.

Sébastien Ogier: “The morning went off pretty well. We lost a little time by puncturing five kilometers from the finish of El Condor. This puncture was due to tyre wear on the new asphalt section. It’s not the most interesting part of the rally. It’s wide and very quick. This afternoon, we’re going to try and maintain the same speed but without puncturing.”

Sébastien Loeb: “We had a good run without making any major mistakes. Latvala must have decided to go quicker. I don’t feel that sweeping played a very important role. As the roads are covered with a lot of sand we’re all in the same boat where the conditions are concerned. On the last section in asphalt you just have to stay on the road!”

Petter Solberg: “I’m pretty satisfied with the setup on the Citroën DS3 WRC. We did a good job during the tests. I’ve tried to nurse the tyres to the maximum. The second loop looks like it’s going to be very interesting. With the heat, the tyres will be subjected to even more stress. In the service park we’re going to try and improve the overall grip of our car.”

Peter van Merksteijn Jr who started eleventh this morning kept up a good pace and got into the top ten. Then in El Condor (SS4) the Van Merksteijn Motorspiort Citroën DS3 WRC had a turbo problem. The crew decided to stop before finishing the stage at a reduced speed and lost five minutes. The defective component was replaced in the service park.

The same three stages will be covered again this afternoon. Return to the service par in Villa Carlos pace at 17h55.