WRC Rally Paraguay

The WRC Rally Paraguay brings world-class rally competition to Encarnación, a city positioned along the Paraná River near the border with Argentina. This event represents the championship's return to South America and stands as the longest rally in WRC history. The competition unfolds across the distinctive red-dirt stages of the Itapúa department, where international crews face challenging gravel conditions across multiple days of intense racing.

The Circuit and Stages

Encarnación serves as the operational base for the rally. The event features 22 special stages that cover more than 360 competitive kilometers across the region. The competition runs on gravel surfaces characterized by soft, red earth that creates variable grip levels and deep ruts as more cars pass through.

The stages wind through several municipalities in Itapúa, including Cambyretá, Nueva Alborada, Carmen del Paraná, San Juan del Paraná, Fram, Artigas, Coronel Bogado, Capitán Miranda, and Trinidad. The rally also visits the Colonias Unidas area, encompassing Bella Vista, Hohenau, and Obligado. A new stage in Trinidad has been added, with a focus on environmental considerations and reforestation efforts.

The Yerbatera stage measures approximately 33.26 kilometers, making it the longest single timed section of the rally. Crews encounter a mix of smooth, fast sections and technical passages through dense vegetation. Surface changes occur suddenly, demanding precise car control and smart pace note reading. An urban stage near the Hotel AWA in Encarnación brings the action close to spectators in the city center.

Competition Format

The rally begins with a shakedown stage in Nueva Alborada, where teams test their cars and make final setup adjustments. A ceremonial start takes place at the Encarnaceno Civic Centre – Sambódromo. The competition then progresses through four days of special stages on gravel.

The event expects to attract between 250,000 and 400,000 spectators. The economic impact is projected at approximately US$200 million for the region. The awards ceremony will take place on the water at Molino San José in Encarnación, offering a unique conclusion to the competition.

The Competitors

The WRC Rally Paraguay anticipates approximately 60 crews across various competition categories. Rally1 teams from manufacturers such as Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT and Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT compete for championship points. All Rally1 crews use Hankook tires throughout the event.

Competitors also race in categories from Rally2 through Rally5, following FIA Group regulations. Local drivers, including Paraguayan talent Fabrizio Zaldivar, are expected to participate alongside international competitors. The entry list continues to develop as the event approaches.

Technical Regulations

The WRC season introduces several regulation changes that affect how teams and drivers approach each rally. A minimum of 10 hours of rest per day is now mandatory, with at least one leg requiring a minimum of 12 hours. The total rest hours across the rally must equal or exceed the total competition hours, excluding the opening day.

Competing cars, except manufacturer-points-scoring Rally1 entries, may change engines during a rally. This change incurs a 60-minute time penalty and disqualifies the crew from scoring championship points at that event. New rules define the use of chicanes, with a five-second penalty applied for displacing a chicane element.

Non-Rally1 entries are limited to two passes during the shakedown. Midday service duration has been reduced from 40 minutes to 30 minutes, returning to earlier regulations. Rally1 cars comply with specific FIA technical regulations, while other categories follow their respective group requirements.

Event Background

Paraguay entered the FIA World Rally Championship following a multi-year agreement. The WRC event builds upon the Rally Trans Itapúa, a local competition held annually since 1981 with some interruptions. The Rally Trans Itapúa also serves as a round of the CODASUR South American Rally Championship and the Paraguayan Championship.

The Galanti brothers and other Paraguayan drivers have historically dominated the Rally Trans Itapúa. Conversations between Paraguayan authorities and the WRC Promoter preceded the official confirmation. Paraguay joins Argentina and Chile as South American countries that have hosted WRC rounds in the modern era.

What Makes This Rally Special

The WRC Rally Paraguay holds the distinction of being the longest rally in WRC history. This expansion reflects a strategic effort by the FIA to strengthen connections with the South American motorsport market. The event serves dual purposes as both a sporting competition and a platform to showcase Paraguay's culture, natural landscapes, and cuisine to international audiences.

The red-earth stages of Itapúa present a unique challenge. The surface characteristics differ from other gravel rallies on the calendar, with the soft composition creating changeable grip levels throughout each stage. Deep ruts form quickly, forcing drivers to choose their lines carefully and adjust their approach as conditions evolve.

The awards ceremony features an unprecedented on-water setting at Molino San José in Encarnación, providing a memorable conclusion to the competition. The trophies themselves are handcrafted kambuchis, traditional Paraguayan clay vessels shaped to resemble rally helmets. These trophies blend local cultural traditions with motorsport artistry, creating distinctive awards that winners will treasure.

This rally offers fans an opportunity to witness Rally1 cars competing on surfaces rarely seen in the championship. The extended route and multiple stages across the Itapúa region provide numerous viewing opportunities. The combination of fast sections and technical challenges through vegetation creates varied racing conditions that test every aspect of driver skill and car performance.