Paraguay is preparing to enter the FIA World Rally Championship calendar in 2025, becoming the 38th country to host a stage of this prestigious event. The announcement was made by President Santiago Peña during the Petrobras Transchaco Rally 2024 Opening Ceremony, the third stage of the Paraguayan national championship. President Peña expressed his pride in hosting world-class events like the WRC, stating that it showcases Paraguay’s greatness to the world. This significant agreement fulfills the long-held desire of the WRC Promoter to have two annual events in South America. Paraguay has a rich rally heritage, with Paraguayan drivers always excelling in regional and international competitions. The country’s commitment to sustainability played a crucial role in its bid to be part of the championship, as Paraguay generates all its electricity from sustainable sources. WRC Senior Events Director Simon Larkin expressed his excitement in bringing Paraguay’s passion for rallying and its stunning landscapes to a global audience. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also praised Paraguay’s inclusion in the championship, emphasizing the opportunity for the series and its stakeholders to explore new horizons. The rally will be hosted in the city of Encarnación and is expected to attract a large number of fans from neighboring Argentina and across South America. The stages will take place in the Itapúa region, known for its impressive red gravel roads that run parallel to the Paraná River. The exact dates of the event will be confirmed later, pending approval from the World Motor Sport Council.
