Rally Argentina never fails to deliver in terms of stunning imagery.
The 2001 edition – which ended exactly 20 years ago today – will however be remembered more for an unfortunate off-stage event, involving a fire-truck and two Škodas, which occurred in the sleepy, romantically named village of Santa Rosa de Calamuchita.
Colin McRae won by 26.3 seconds ahead of Richard Burns.
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist, Ford Focus RS WRC.
Argentina, the fifth round of the 2001 season, gave Colin McRae his first points of the year after a close-fought battle with his biggest rival, Richard Burns.
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen, Peugeot 206 WRC.
Some of the most passionate rally fans in the world can be found in Argentina.
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5.
Undoubtably El Condor is the stage in Argentina that everybody loves to wax-lyrical about. This is its close neighbour Giulio Ceasare, which is also quite spectacular. The end section, shot from a helicopter here, resembles a lunar landscape.
Francois Delecour & Daniel Grataloup, Ford Focus RS WRC.
With limited access roads into the stages, the Argentinian fans typically drive in and park up for the day [and night] before to have a party. They’ll use whatever transport they can get their hands on.
Freddy Loix & Sven Smeets, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5.
Fast-Freddy Loix registered a sixth place finish in Argentina, in these days that brought just one championship point.
Spectator car park fire.
A hastily discarded barbeque, pushed under a car, adjacent to the Amboy stage triggered a bizarre series of unfortunate events.
Both Škoda Octavia WRC cars out.
The speeding fire truck responding to the Amboy fire, rolled over and crashed into both works Skoda Octavias, damaging them severely enough that they were forced to retire. Worse still, one member of the Škoda team, Jens Pohlmann, was severely injured.
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist, Ford Focus RS WRC.
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills, Subaru Impreza WRC 2001.
Solberg again showed his pace and increasing maturity with a trouble-free run to fifth place.
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist.
Winners again, McRae and Grist were back on track with a win and their first points of 2001.
