Hot Competition in Argentina as Mitsubishi Shinozuka Chases Lead

Just 13 seconds separated rally leader Jean-Louis Schlesser and his main rival in the World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, Team PIAA Ralliart Pajero/Montero driver Kenjiro Shinozuka, on the 681km second leg of the Argentinean round.

As the main protagonists raced across the Central American Pampas on the Second Cross Country Rally of Argentina, Schlesser only just managed to increase his marginal lead of four minutes, although once again the terrain was more suited to Schlesser's lightweight buggy rather Shinozuka's Mitsubishi, which favours twistier roads with its superior traction and handling.

Indeed, despite the high speed nature of the route, Shinozuka may well have taken the lead but for two unscheduled visits to the scenery, as he explained at the second overnight halt in Mina Clavero: "I had heard that today's route would be twisty, which would have suited our Mitsubishi much better, but in reality it was very fast which was better for Schlesser because his buggy is 400 kg lighter than our car. We left the road twice, the first time because I couldn't see thanks to the dust kicked up by the motorbikes, and the second time was on a corner I didn't see after a blind crest. Thankfully, there was no damage whatsoever to the Pajero/Montero - it's a strong car - but we lost some time. The route was a bit like the Safari Rally."

Schlesser added: "For me it was easy because I was first on the road, but the cars behind were blinded by my dust."

The second leg's competitive section was 420 km long in an overall route of 681 km, and looped back to the start at Mina Clavero. The leading three cars maintained station, with local driver Jorge Recalde holding onto third in his Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero. In fourth place was Carlos Garro in a Kia Sportage, with Marcelo Lusianzoff fifth in a Hyundai Galloper - both drivers also from Argentina.