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news :: rally
A new slot for Rally Argentina
26 March 2008
Source: Subaru World Rally Team
What does the date change to the end of March mean for Rally Argentina?
Moved to a championship slot at the end of March for the 2008 season, this year Rally Argentina offers crews a different challenge. The end of March is the turning point from summer to autumn in Argentina so the air is hot and humid, with an average temperature similar to Mexico at 24 degrees Celsius and 62 per cent humidity. In-car temperatures are much higher, and conditions much tougher for the drivers and co-drivers as they battle with the heat.
The roads are much drier and dustier after a long and hot summer with no rain, and although there are still the famed Argentine watersplashes to contend with, they are neither as common nor as deep and challenging as before.
The roads are also rougher and rockier this year, making the surface more punishing for drivers, cars and tyres alike. As the crews battle with the physically demanding routes, in-car temperatures can sap drivers’ strength so it is essential they are in peak condition to last the distance at full pace.
A change in the weather is expected during the rally weekend, and in such hot and humid conditions, this often means thunderstorms. On such hard and dusty ground, the nature of the stages will change completely with heavy rain. Using Pirelli’s hard compound gravel tyre, grip in the wet will be reduced and crews must be fast to adapt to remain competitive.
Surviving the first demanding day without mistakes or punctures will be crucial as there is no margin for error along the first loops of rock-strewn Argentine stages.
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