Loeb, Nasser, Peterhansel, Nani, Moraes, Al Rajhi….

Some names don’t need any introduction, and they’ll all be here in Argentina. The 13th edition of Desafío Ruta 40 is coming in full force. The competition, which will take place from May 24 to 29 in San Juan-San Rafael-San Juan and will count as the third round of the W2RC, promises a stunning entry list, and this is just a small preview of the car line-up.

Just like in the golden age of Dakar Rally in South America or WRC in our country, this year’s Desafío Ruta 40 will bring together the biggest names in global motorsports to compete in the Cuyo region of Argentina. Even with registration still open until May 4, the race has already secured some major stars to the delight of the local fans.

Defending glory. The 2024 edition of DR40 and the 2025 W2RC title both came down to thrilling battles. The most recent winner of this competition, Yazeed Al Rajhi (Overdrive Racing), will be back in action, as will the reigning W2RC champion, Brazilian Lucas Moraes (The Dacia Sandriders). Both will face—once again—Nasser Al Attiyah (The Dacia Sandriders). The Qatari prince is racing at home in Argentina and will seek revenge in order to claim victory on Ruta 40 once more, just as he did in 2023.

Bienvenue, Monsieur Dakar. A rally isn’t a rally without Stéphane Peterhansel (Defender Rally). The award-winning Defender Rally driver will compete in the Desafío Ruta 40 in  Stock category. Although the 14-time Dakar Rally winner has raced in the country several times, this will be his first appearance in this race.

In addition, the team will also feature Rokas Baciuska and Sara Price.

The return of the king. No doubt, the presence of Sébastien Loeb (The Dacia Sandriders) is something that no rally fan in Argentina can ignore. The all-time winner of the Rally Argentina and one of the biggest stars of the WRC will make his debut in the DR40, and it will be a milestone. If “la vida es sueño, y los sueños, sueños son” then it will be time to stay wide awake to enjoy—as always and like never before—the magic of witnessing the great French champion in action. 

The oval brand is back. Ford Racing will take part with three Ultimate cars driven by Mitch Guthrie, Denis Krotov, and none other than Nani Roma. The Spaniard knows exactly how to succeed in this country. Not only won he the Dakar Rally in South America in 2014, but he also took first place in Desafío Ruta 40 in 2013. Coincidence or a presage? That DR40 race, which culminated in his victory, also finished in the province of San Juan. 

So far, Carlos Sainz is not registered, but the hope of seeing “El Matador” in Argentina again remains intact.

 

Let the battle begin. The robust list of FIA entrants will also feature a significant presence from the SVR and Toyota Gazoo Racing teams. The first of these will include, among others, brothers Marcos and Cristian Baumgart. Meanwhile, the Japanese firm will also be well represented with a roster of drivers led by the talented young representative of a new generation, Seth Quintero.

More than a month remains before registration closes, so the list of participants in Desafío Ruta 40 will continue to grow. For more information on FIA, FIM, Malle Moto, OPEN, and Desafío Ansenuza registration: https://desafioruta40.ar/inscripciones/

The story of this edition has already begun to be written.