After yesterday’s shakedown, all riders had the chance to have their first experience at this year’s  Desafio Ruta 40 YPF. The traditional shakedown was certainly an important moment for all, making sure everything is 100% under control to start the race.

Another step in this direction came today with the administrative and technical checks (scrutineering) that took place at Superdomo Stadium in La Rioja, allowing the organization to verify that participants and their machines are in full compliance with the official regulations.

This is the fourth and penultimate stop of the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC), bringing back the off-road elite to Argentina – a country marked with a decade of Dakar Rally. The action will take place from tomorrow (August 27) to the 1st of September in the provinces of La Rioja, Belén and Salta.

The prologue will start at 3.00 pm local time in Argentina, in a short but very intense section that will take place around Los Sauces Dam.

Ruben Faria

General Manager

“The first two days of the program from Desafio Ruta 40 are done and now we will only focus on the prologue from tomorrow. I am confident about the team and I can see their enthusiasm to get back on racing after a long gap in the championship. About the prologue tomorrow, they know the same thing I have learned along my career - it’s quite important to start well to be competitive from the very first moment”.

Adrien Van Beveren 42

“I am very happy with my Honda CRF 450 Rally after the shakedown. I could see all the hard work from the mechanics after last week's tests. I enjoyed riding yesterday, I was feeling good so I can’t wait for tomorrow’s prologue. The atmosphere and the feeling is really nice here in Argentina - you can see a lot of passion around.

José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo 11

“We are ready for the Desafio Ruta 40! It’s all done with the scrutineering, we tested the bike and passed all the verifications and I can’t wait to start the prologue tomorrow. I feel quite confident for this race and proud to dress the Monster Energy Honda Team once again .”

Pablo Quintanilla 7

“Yesterday we had the first taste of the terrain with the scrutineering and today we have been through all the technical and documental checks. All that went really well according to plan. I want to enlighten the fantastic atmosphere we are living here in Argentina. About the prologue, I know it will be around 10 km long and I just want to complete it with my right foot”.

Ricky Brabec 9

“Shakedown and sign ups are done so tomorrow we start the battle here in Argentina. I feel good, happy and hope for a positive race with a great result. We are here to do our best job. The team is looking good and is in great shape, let's hope for a victory for Monster Energy Honda Team”.

Location Information

The Desafio Ruta 40, gets installed in the global sporting context as a premium brand. More than a simple velocity race, like every Cross Country Rally, the Desafio Ruta 40 is an adventure that requires competitors other capacities that goes beyond speed to reach the goal faster. Desafio Ruta 40… read more.

San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina - View in Google Maps