One rumour has already been confirmed true, as the Canary Islands recently announced they will host a World Rally Championship event next year. The WRC Promoter is eager to add more events in South America, with only one race in the continent this year when Chile hosts a championship round in the autumn.
“I know the promoter has been in discussions with various countries, and they are keen to add new nations to the calendar. In South America, we used to race in Argentina, but apparently, their financial situation is very challenging, preventing them from hosting a rally,” says Toyota’s team principal Jari-Matti Latvala to RallyJournal.com.
“In that context, other destinations are being considered. Paraguay could definitely be an interesting location. There are extremely passionate fans in South America, and Paraguay isn’t far from Argentina.”
Earlier this year, Paraguayan media reported that the country’s president, Santiago Peña, has already discussed hosting a WRC event with the promoter.
“It’s a strong indicator when the government is involved. Then there’s talk about the United States, but it’s probably not going to be on the calendar next year. It’s too soon for that. However, the future seems to indicate we’ll be racing in America,” summarizes Latvala.
“The USA is a large market with many people and significant for the automotive industry. It’s a big market for us (Toyota) as well. Our cars sell immensely there.”
Latvala stresses the importance of not hastily setting up a race.
“Of course, given the low rally awareness there, it’s vital that we simultaneously grow that aspect. It’s crucial to broadly disseminate rally, not just go there to race,” Latvala contemplates.
Will the UK return, or will the neighbour take the prize?
Rally GB is a classic, but the country hasn’t hosted a rally since 2019 in Wales. There have been consistent rumours about either Scotland or Northern Ireland. However, it now seems that Ireland might take the lead.
“It would be very important to race there. It’s been a traditional area, with many manufacturers involved, and currently, M-Sport’s team is located in Britain. Previously, we had the rally in Wales, which was a great event. It’s a pity that it has been dropped, Latvala comments.
“Of course, it would be a different type of rally if we go to Ireland, as it’s on tarmac. Ireland has a strong rally culture and tradition. Remember, countries with a strong rally culture and keen public interest always elevate the profile.”
Besides the mentioned countries, Saudi Arabia has been a regular in WRC rumours. The country has hosted the Dakar Rally for a few years, and a WRC event is also hoped for.
Latvala thought Saudi Arabia would have been on this year’s calendar already. Apparently, things are still in progress.
“Saudi Arabia should have been on the calendar, in my opinion. It was being strongly pushed, but it didn’t materialize. Whether it will come at some point is a question mark,” reveals Latvala.
“We used to race the Jordan Rally, which was fantastic. I liked it a lot. If they make roads there, they’re likely to be well-made and great for rallying.”
However, Latvala notes one crucial element missing in Saudi Arabia.
“I don’t think the event is particularly remarkable from the audience’s perspective. There probably won’t be many people present because it’s not an area where there’s a rally culture among the public.”
“We need a variety of rallies. It’s vital for the series,” concludes Latvala.
