The first and only visit of the Dacia Sandriders team to Argentina was a real test of endurance, strategy and strong nerves. The third round of the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), Desafio Ruta 40, ended with an excellent result for the Romanian project: a place on the podium and the consolidation of the first position in the constructors' standings.
With only two races left on the calendar, the Dacia Sandrider model once again demonstrated its extreme competitiveness, including a stage victory in the second special stage of the rally.
The rally-raid drama reached its peak on the 5th and final special stage. Before the start of this decisive stage, Nasser Al-Attiyah was within a microscopic distance of the overall leader, Seth Quintero — just 7 seconds separated him from first place.
Unfortunately, the motorsport gods had other plans. Both drivers suffered flat tires on the Argentine track, but the Qatari driver from Dacia was the most unlucky, losing precious minutes. To complete the tableware, Al-Attiyah and his navigator, Fabian Lurquin, were caught in the dense dust left behind by their teammate, Sébastien Loeb, which made a decisive attack impossible.
"We fought until the end, but we had a puncture and then we were stuck behind Seb and we had no visibility because of the dust. We couldn't push. That's how it is in motorsport. We finished third, which is good for the championship. We'll see in Morocco," said Nasser Al-Attiyah.
Following these adventures, American Seth Quintero claimed his first career victory in the Ultimate category. Al-Attiyah had to settle for third place on the podium, 2 minutes and 26 seconds behind the winner, also being overtaken by Henk Lategan (Toyota).
If Dacia dominates the constructors' standings, the battle in the drivers' standings is becoming downright fratricidal. Sébastien Loeb and Edouard Boulanger finished the last stage with the second best time. Although the problems on the first day only placed them in 4th place overall, the French crew retains their championship lead. However, their lead has evaporated: they are only 3 points ahead of their teammates, Al-Attiyah and Lurquin.
"The stage was very good, we went at our best throughout. We had a puncture and had to change the wheel in the stage. Otherwise, a very close battle. We gave it our all, but it wasn't enough," explained Sébastien Loeb.
For Lucas Moraes and Denniz Zenz, the Rally Argentina was a race for survival. After breaking his suspension on the third stage, the chances of a big result evaporated for the reigning world champion. However, the Brazilian gritted his teeth, got back into the race and adopted a purely strategic role, finishing 21st but providing crucial support to the team.
"An extremely demanding rally in Argentina, but I'm glad we reached the end. [...] The important thing is that we are here and that we remain leaders in the constructors' championship, but also in the drivers' and navigators' standings. We will continue the fight in Morocco", pointed out Lucas Moraes.
The World Rally-Raid is now entering a well-deserved long summer break. The engines will only start again in the fall, for the penultimate battle of the season. The Rally of Morocco will take place from September 28 to October 3, 2026, a traditional venue where Dacia Sandriders will try to secure the world constructors' title and settle the huge stakes between Loeb and Al-Attiyah.