Encarnación, Paraguay - The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) World Rally Championship (WRC) has officially announced the inclusion of Paraguay as the tenth round of its eagerly anticipated 2025 season, marking a significant milestone for motorsport in South America. This landmark event, secured through a multi-year agreement, will see the global rally series venture to Paraguayan soil for the first time, igniting considerable excitement among the nation's fervent rally enthusiasts.
Paraguay's robust local rally heritage, evidenced by the emergence of talented drivers such as WRC2 competitor Fabrizio Zaldívar and Junior WRC pilot Diego Domínguez, played a pivotal role in the successful bid to host a WRC round. The nation's deep-seated passion for rallying resonated with WRC organizers seeking to expand the championship's global footprint.
President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, recently unveiled the intricate details of the rally itinerary, underscoring the nation's commitment to delivering a world-class event. The challenging gravel rally is strategically centered around the vibrant city of Encarnación, situated on Paraguay's southeastern border. The competitive route will encompass a total distance of 951.59 kilometers, featuring 19 demanding special stages that will test the skill and endurance of the world's premier rally drivers over a grueling 334.52 kilometers.
The rally's opening day, Friday, is poised to be the most arduous, presenting competitors with 140.90 kilometers of timed sections. This includes two passes through the formidable "Yerba Mate" stage, the longest of the rally at 30 kilometers. Saturday will see the rally caravan journey deeper into the Paraguayan interior, tackling a further 113.60 kilometers of competitive stages. The thrilling conclusion of the inaugural Paraguay Rally will unfold on Sunday with the final four decisive stages.
The confirmation of Paraguay as a WRC host nation is a direct result of a highly successful evaluation event conducted in September of the preceding year. Key stakeholders, including representatives from the WRC, manufacturer teams Toyota and M-Sport-Ford, the FIA, and Hankook Tire – the designated official tire supplier for the 2025 season – were present to meticulously assess the proposed route infrastructure, logistical framework, and operational capabilities.
Simon Larkin, the WRC Event Director, expressed his optimism following the test event, stating, "We are confident that the Rally Paraguay will be a captivating addition to the WRC calendar, offering a unique and challenging experience for competitors and an enthusiastic reception from the local fanbase."
The 2025 WRC season will also welcome two other novel events to its diverse calendar. The Rally Islas Canarias, a demanding asphalt rally promoted from the European Rally Championship, is scheduled to take place from April 24th to 27th. The season finale will be a historic return to the Middle East with the Saudi Arabia Rally (November 27th to 30th). This event marks the WRC's first foray into the region since 2011, secured through a significant ten-year agreement. In preparation for its WRC debut, Saudi Arabia will conduct a comprehensive test event featuring twelve stages from May 1st to 3rd.
The inaugural WRC Rally Paraguay is anticipated to provide an unforgettable spectacle for motorsport aficionados across South America, further solidifying the WRC's position as a premier global motorsport championship by successfully venturing into new and passionate territories.
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