Step into the unknown for Villagra

Federico Villagra admits he is unsure how competitive he will be when he makes his Intercontinental Rally Challenge debut in Argentina later this week.

Although the 40-year-old is regarded as one of Argentina’s most successful rally drivers after winning his country’s domestic title on eight occasions, he has never driven the M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 that he will use on the Carlos Paz-based event in competition before.

“I’ve done Rally Argentina many times now, which should certainly help us but I’ve not driven the Fiesta yet, although I hear that it is very good,” said Villagra. “I have to say though that I have driven the latest specification Group N Mitsubishi Lancer, with the 33mm restrictor, and I was really impressed. So I think the ’normal’ Group N cars will be very competitive in Argentina as well."

Villagra, nicknamed El Coyote, will be co-driven by Jorge Pérez Companc on Rally Argentina. He is due to test his Fiesta for the first time today before he begins the pre-event reconnaissance tomorrow.