In the mix-surfaced event held in Tucuman, fifth round of Argentina Rally Championship “Rally de Tacuman” which was held from 10-12 July, Claudio Menzi proves to be the most versatile driver and claimed his first victory in the season beating his team-mate Gabriel Pozzo. It also meant a great success for the Subaru base-team Baratec which clinched its second 1-2 of the year.
During the first day with tarmac surface, the drivers must faced really tricky roads since there was a lot of gravel on the corners in the last two stages of each loop. However, Federico Villagra and Menzi managed to escape harmless with the Mitsubishi Evo X of the reigning champions leading by only 2.9 seconds.
After the incredible tight battle on Saturday, on the gravel’s leg everything changed. Menzi took advantage of Villagra who didnLt race this stages in the last two rounds due to his compromises with the Munchis in the WRC and on SS 10 he took the lead by 4.7 seconds. In the next stage Menzi was 20 seconds quicker through the 20.48km of the SS11 to tip the scale into his favor and swept away his opponents.
Menzi’s team-mate Gabriel Pozzo, took advantage of Villagra’s misfortune to come into second place 31 seconds adrift. The current Championship’s leader hit a rock on SS12, destroying the front left wheel and the brake system of his Mitsubishi Evo X. He couldn’t start the next stage and had to withdraw.
The next round, round six will be held in the southern city of General Roca, where it will take place the traditional “Vuelta de la Manzana” from 14-16 August.
