Rautenbach… a new direction in his career?

Conrad Rautenbach wrote a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s sporting history at the Rally Argentina. The 23-year-old African champion became the first driver from his country to score points in the World Rally Championship.

Rautenbach and his British co-driver David Senior finished fourth with their Citroën C4 WRC, earning five points in the drivers’ standings.

Taking advantage of Petter Solberg’s withdrawal on the final morning, Rautenbach was able to improve his fifth position at the end of the second day after finishing the first stage in 21st place.

During the event, the Zimbabwean overcame his lack of experience—competing in his second C4 WRC event, his fifth in WRC, and his first Rally Argentina—to achieve a historic result.

Previously, Conrad Rautenbach’s best result was a fourteenth position at the Rally Deutschland 2007. The best result for a Zimbabwean in the World Rally Championship belonged to Billy Rautenbach, Conrad’s father, with an eleventh place at the Safari Rally 1992 in a Toyota Celica GT-Four.

A notable result was achieved at the Rally Argentina: for his 101st world rally, Conrad Rautenbach’s co-driver, David Senior, equaled his best WRC ranking. He had finished fourth in the 2001 Rally GB with Alister McRae.

« It took me a while to realize », admits Rautenbach. « On Saturday night, I went to bed thinking that a fifth place would be an incredible result. When we passed Petter [Solberg] in El Condor, I kept telling myself « We are fourth! » I really had to concentrate on the road and listen to the notes. »

This result is incredible. Not just for me but for everyone involved in the program. The team, David, everyone. I am so happy. I thought we might score some points before the start but not five! The first morning was really tough but confidence came little by little. I was getting better and better in the car. I can’t wait for the next rally and to get back behind the wheel of the C4. I love the Rally Argentina and I don’t think I would have said that after the first stage on Friday!

According to a Citroen Sport press release (WRC Web)