Recce times for Desafío Ruta 40
The organizing team, led by Pablo Eli (Sports Director), is currently recognizing the stages for the 13th edition of Desafío Ruta 40, which will take place from May 24 to 29 along a route connecting San Juan – San Rafael – San Juan. The competition will count as the third round of World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
The recce consist of drawing the race Roadbook with all the details of the route to be followed by the competitors, including directions, shortcuts, references and the dangers to be taken into account for successful navigation. Likewise, during this process, Spectator Zones are defined, which will allow the fans to enjoy the competition in specially designated areas and under strict safety conditions.
The team is already working on a route that will total approximately 2,700 kilometers, of which 1,699 km will be selective sections. With optimized logistics, the competition will feature two bivouacs: in San Juan, it will be located at Circuito San Juan Villicum, and in San Rafael, it will be set up at the Congress and Exhibition Center.
Undoubtedly, one of the major highlights of Desafío Ruta 40 will be the long-awaited return to the province of Mendoza, specifically to San Rafael, ten years after the competition last visited this city. The return to Mendoza reaffirms DR40’s connection to one of the most valuable natural landscapes in terms of both sporting significance and visual impact.
The variety of terrain will shape the course of the five-day competition, with dunes playing a central role. The section through the El Nihuil dunes—which will return to the route after a nine-year absence—will be one of the most demanding and exciting challenges of the 2026 edition.
The 13th edition of Desafío Ruta 40 will feature the world’s top competitors and already includes several registered factory teams, such as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, XRAIDS EXPERIENCE, Sherco TVS Rally Factory, BAS World KTM Team, Kove Argentina, MED RACING TEAM, The Dacia Sandriders, Overdrive Racing, Defender Rally, Ford Racing, SVR, and Toyota Gazoo Racing, BBR MOTORSPORT, among others.
More than a month remains before registration closes (May 4), and the list of participants is expected to continue growing. For more information on FIA, FIM, Malle Moto, OPEN, and Desafío Ansenuza registration: https://desafioruta40.ar/inscripciones-eng/
Additionally, motorcycle and adventure enthusiasts can still join the Maxi Trail Amateur Experience, an exclusive event with limited spots: https://desafioruta40.ar/maxi-trail-amateur-experience/
