The FIA World Rally-Raid Championship’s stop in Argentina delivered both punishment and reward in equal measure for The Dacia Sandriders, as Desafío Ruta 40 concluded with a hard-earned set of results that keep the team firmly in control of the 2026 title fight across Drivers, Navigators, and Manufacturers.
On unfamiliar terrain marked by punishing altitude, abrasive rocks, and relentless stage distances, the team’s first appearance at the event demanded adaptability more than outright dominance. Yet despite setbacks and mechanical drama, the overall outcome achieved its primary objective: preserving championship leadership heading into the final two rounds of the season.
Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Fabian Lurquin were among the standout performers of the rally, repeatedly fighting at the sharp end of the field. Their campaign featured a stage victory on Stage 2 and a second-fastest time on Stage 4, reinforcing their status as consistent front-runners. Heading into the final stage, they remained in contention for overall victory, separated by just seconds from the lead.
That challenge, however, unravelled in the decisive kilometres. A puncture followed by an enforced wheel change on Stage 5 cost crucial time at the worst possible moment, ultimately dropping them to third place overall. Even so, their podium finish keeps them firmly embedded in the title battle, just a handful of points behind their teammates in the standings.
Sébastien Loeb and Édouard Boulanger endured a more turbulent run through Argentina, repeatedly disrupted by damaged tyres and time loss in the dust-filled chaos of the stages. Yet their response under pressure proved vital. Twice they delivered the second-quickest stage times, including a strong final push on Friday that underlined their pace when clean runs were possible.
Those efforts proved decisive in the broader championship context. Despite finishing fourth overall after climbing from fifth overnight, Loeb and Boulanger secured enough stage points to retain the lead in both the Drivers’ and Navigators’ standings, albeit by a reduced margin of just three points over their teammates.
Lucas Moraes and Dennis Zenz experienced a far more difficult event after an early collision caused suspension damage and forced a retirement on Stage 3. Although they rejoined the rally and continued to the finish, their classification was heavily impacted. Even so, their completion of the event contributed valuable manufacturers’ points during a demanding weekend for the entire squad.
Across all three crews, the common theme was survival through one of the most technically demanding rallies of the season. High altitude performance challenges combined with sharp, rocky sections created an environment where tyre management and risk control were as important as outright speed.
Despite the end of The Dacia Sandriders’ consecutive W2RC winning streak, the championship picture remains strongly in their favour. The team continues to lead the Manufacturers’ standings comfortably, while the Drivers’ and Navigators’ titles are set for a tightly contested finish between teammates separated by only a few points.
Team leadership described a sense of satisfaction in finishing with all three entries intact in such a punishing environment, particularly in a debut appearance at the event. The focus now shifts toward refinement and preparation rather than celebration, as the final phase of the championship approaches.
Attention turns next to the Rallye du Maroc, a venue where The Dacia Sandriders has already established a winning pedigree with back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025. Returning to North Africa between 28 September and 3 October, the team will look to convert its current advantage into decisive championship momentum as the season edges toward its conclusion.
