Paraguay’s inclusion is likely to bolster the Rally1 class, as local interest in it is now significantly increasing.
Paraguay fulfils a long-held wish of the WRC. Two consecutive events will be held in South America, with Chile also retaining its place on the calendar.
Over the years, Paraguay has been able to produce drivers for the lower classes, which has contributed to the WRC Promoter’s desire to bring a WRC round to the country. Paraguay has previously produced drivers such as Diego Dominguez and Fabrizio Zaldivar.
Rallying is a big deal in South America, and organisers are confident that there is a high demand for Rally1 cars. Last year in Chile, Alberto Heller rented a Ford Puma Rally1 car to compete in his home event, and similar stories are expected in Paraguay.
“I’ve had interest from five different competitors in Paraguay who want to get hold of a Rally1 car,” The WRC Promoter’s event director Simon Larkin told Motorsport.com.
“This is a big step and whether we can find out from the existing teams to run that many extra cars, I don’t know, but I guarantee you we’ll have probably three extra Rally1 cars for Paraguay.”
Paraguay seems to be addressing at least one major issue in the WRC. For a long time, the problem has been that there are not enough cars and drivers in the main class. Besides all the other positives, this is not just a temporary fix.
“This is not a one off. We’re going there (to Paraguay) for a minimum of three years. I think we can grow something really special there.”
“It’s a country that has a huge amount of passion for rallying. It is their motorsport.”
