The Desafío Ruta 40 Rally in Argentina is proving to be a real test of fire for the new Dacia Sandriders team. Stages 3 and 4 offered a complete emotional roller-coaster for the Mioveni manufacturer: from spectacular retirements and collisions in the dunes, to a sensational comeback that places the team just a few seconds away from the big victory.
With only one stage left to play, motorsport fans are witnessing a heart-stopping finale.
The third stage of the competition in Argentina represented the toughest challenge yet, with a titanic 409-kilometer timed section. It was the day when Dacia Sandriders demonstrated that they have the pace of a winner, but also felt the cruelty of rally-raid competitions.
Loeb and Al-Attiyah, on a strong rise
South African Henk Lategan (Toyota) won this stage, but the Dacia drivers put on a show behind him:
"It was an interesting stage, because we opened the route all day and you have no benchmarks regarding the speed of the other drivers. To finish in 4th place after opening the route in the longest stage is not bad at all," said Nasser Al-Attiyah at the end of the day.
Nightmare in the dunes for Lucas Moraes
Unfortunately, the day was overshadowed by the abandonment of the crew of Lucas Moraes and Density Zenz. Although the Brazilian had started the race excellently, having the second fastest time at the first intermediate point, the dream was dramatically shattered at kilometer 63.
While trying to navigate the difficult dunes, Moraes temporarily went off the track and on his way back he collided violently with João Ferreira's car. With his rear suspension destroyed, the reigning W2RC world champion was forced to abandon the stage, losing any chance of a good result in the general classification. Fortunately, both drivers escaped unharmed.
The penultimate stage, between San Rafael and San Juan, measured 306 kilometers and took competitors to the rally's highest altitude of 3,110 meters. It was a technical test, dotted with dry riverbeds and giant boulders, won by veteran Carlos Sainz Sr. (Ford Raptor).
Al-Attiyah puts pressure: Only 7 seconds to the top!
Nasser Al-Attiyah once again proved why he is a multiple Dakar champion. With the third fastest time in stage 4, the Qatari moved up to second place in the overall standings.
The distance separating him from the new rally leader, Seth Quintero? An absolutely incredible difference of just 7 seconds! With only one stage left, Dacia's tactic for the last day will be one of total attack.
"Tomorrow we have to be smart, because anything can happen on a 340km stage. However, my goal is victory," warned Al-Attiyah, anticipating the final three-way duel for the title.
Loeb struggles with Dacia's "gauge"
Sébastien Loeb finished stage 4 in fourth place, a performance that keeps him in fourth place overall, 5 minutes and 24 seconds behind the leader. The Frenchman admitted that the test was extremely tiring, especially due to the generous dimensions of the Dacia prototype.
"The roads were very narrow for the size of the Dacia Sandrider and in many places we simply had to try to squeeze through. We also had a flat tire, but overall I think we had a good stage," explained Loeb.
Bad luck continues for Moraes
Returning to the competition after the Dacia mechanics repaired his car, Lucas Moraes had another nightmare day. Although he was running at a leading pace in the first half of the stage, the Brazilian suffered no less than three successive punctures in just 60 kilometers, finishing the stage only with the 19th fastest time. Moraes announced that on the last day he would put himself completely at the service of the team to help Al-Attiyah and Loeb.
| Position | Driver / Co-Driver | Team / Car | Gap to Leader |
| 1 | Seth Quintero | Provisional Leader | — |
| 2 | Nasser Al-Attiyah / F. Lurquin | Dacia Sandriders | + 7 seconds |
| 3 | Third competitor | — | Close battle |
| 4 | Sébastien Loeb / E. Boulanger | Dacia Sandriders | + 5 min 24 sec |
Everything will be decided in the 5th stage, the last of Desafío Ruta 40. The competitors will have to face a 340-kilometer timed section with the start and finish in San Juan. A psychological and technical battle in which the 7 seconds between Dacia and the first step of the podium promise a historic outcome.