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The C3 WRCs head for familiar surroundings!

One of the highlights of the WRC season, Rally Argentina is eagerly anticipated by the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT. Ten-time winners in South America, the Red Army is determined to defend its fantastic record with its Citroën C3 WRCs, driven by Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Craig Breen/Scott Martin.

RALLY ARGENTINA: SWEPT TO GLORY BY THE CROWDS
Tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of fans take over the sierras of the province of Córdoba. They're prepared to brave the cold to get the best view of the action, as winter approaches in the southern hemisphere. Families and friends get together to set up camp by the roadside. Delicious pieces of meat cook on the asado whilst fans pass the time, a calabash gourd of mate in their hand, listening to the radio spewing out non-stop sports commentary...

Suddenly, a cloud of dust is kicked up into the sky, causing a huge stir. Winding its way through the rocks, the WRC slides from one corner to the next. The loud cheering and sound of the horns never quite manage to drown out the throaty din of the 380bhp engines. But for three days, the party is in full swing in this country where motorsport is only just behind football in the popularity stakes!

Rally Argentina has a truly unique atmosphere, an event worth experiencing for any true motorsport fan. The 2017 rally promises to be no exception to the rule, with a demanding route for both men and machines alike. After a gentle start on Thursday evening in the streets of Córdoba, the serious business get underway on Friday with stages held around Santa Rosa de Calamuchita. The second leg will be even rougher, with two passes on the well-named "Los Gigantes" stage, some 38km in length. Lastly, the crews that make it this far will get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mina Clavero and El Condor on Sunday's final sprint.

THE CHALLENGES: DO CITROËN'S COMPETITIVE RECORD JUSTICE IN ARGENTINA
Citroën has won Rally Argentina as a WRC event ten times in the last twelve years! This amazing run says a lot about the expertise of the team, who will have the daunting privilege of defending this record.

However, several factors should prevent anyone from getting too carried away. As in Monte-Carlo, Sweden and Mexico, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT will only be entering two C3 WRCs. They will be driven by two crews that did not compete here in 2016: Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Craig Breen/Scott Martin, who will be making their competitive debuts in South America. This lack of experience will be a genuine disadvantage, since thirteen of the eighteen stages are identical to last year. The only new features are on Tanti - Villa Bustos, contested in the opposite direction, and San Agustin / Villa General Belgrano, which hasn't been on the itinerary since 2008.

Another particularly unpredictable factor is the weather. Anything is possible at this time of year: cold, dry conditions or springlike temperatures, torrential rain, fog, etc. Depending on the conditions, the running order and tyre choice will be more or less significant.

Whatever happens, the Citroën crews will be determined to do well. Winners in Mexico and leaders of the Tour de Corse before suffering a mechanical issue, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle are on something of a positive run. And they certainly have good reason to feel positive about Argentina, where they claimed their first WRC win in 2015. After three top-five finishes in as many appearances this season, Craig Breen and Scott Martin will need to get their bearings on this new surface before trying to get close to the leading crews. If they manage to keep out of trouble, they are almost certain to finish high up the standings. The history of Rally Argentina suggests that endurance and consistency are often rewarded!