The Argentina Rally will take place under armed guard after team members were caught up in a restaurant robbery.

No drivers were involved in Tuesday's hold-up in the lakeside resort of Villa Carlos Paz, near Cordoba.

But mechanics and management from teams including Mitsubishi and Hyundai were among the 35 rally personnel robbed at gunpoint.

No shots were fired but eye-witnesses said that several diners were hit over the head with pistol butts.

Argentine police are reported to have arrested three men in connection with the raid.

Security surrounding the sixth round of the world championship has been stepped up in the aftermath of the incident.

Rally headquarters are under armed guard and police carrying firearms will accompany television crews filming the special stages.