History 2000s

2009 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2009 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Date: April 23–26, 2009

Start Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba Province

Finish Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba Province

Total Distance: ~1,495.25 km

Competitive Stages: 347.12 km

Surface: Gravel (mountainous, rough)

Rally Argentina's mix of high-altitude mountain tracks, rocky river crossings, and huge spectator crowds provided a stunning backdrop to Loeb’s relentless form. Already holding a commanding championship lead, he pushed hard from the outset to claim yet another win for Citroën.

Route

El Condor: Iconic high-altitude stage with low oxygen levels affecting both drivers and engines, lined with thousands of fans.
Mina Clavero – Giulio Cesare: Narrow, rocky, and technical — a co-driver’s nightmare without perfect pace notes.
Santa Rosa de Calamuchita: Flowing gravel sections through valleys with deceptive crests and long braking zones.

Argentina’s stages combined fast gravel roads with rough, narrow mountain passes. Highlights included:

Clear weather kept the roads dry, but the loose stones and altitude changes demanded mechanical sympathy and concentration.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën C4 WRC
2nd Place
Mikko Hirvonen & Jarmo Lehtinen · Ford Focus RS WRC 08
3rd Place
Dani Sordo & Marc Martí · Citroën C4 WRC

Loeb and Elena’s ability to adapt to varying altitudes gave them an edge that Hirvonen couldn’t quite close. Sordo once again played a supporting role, ensuring Citroën’s strong points haul in the manufacturers’ championship.

Navigation & Challenges

  • High Altitude: Lower oxygen levels reduced power and increased fatigue — co-drivers needed extra precision to avoid mistakes.
  • Loose Rock Surfaces: Risk of punctures and mechanical strain required tire and pace management.
  • Fan Proximity: Massive crowds close to the road demanded driver focus and discipline in tight areas.

This win marked Loeb’s fifth victory in a row for 2009, cementing his stranglehold on the championship and reinforcing Citroën’s dominance in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings.

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