RallyJournal.com previously reported in July that the event was in danger of being cancelled entirely, as the audit authority had rejected the agreement for organising the rally.
The audit authority had suspended the contract between the national tourism authority Sernatur and rally organiser Horta Producciones regarding the transfer of funds. However, the issue has now been resolved.
“What Sernatur couldn’t accomplish in six months, they managed to do in a week – the audit authority has now approved the contract, which enables the rally to be held this September,” said Biobío region governor Sergio Giacaman to local outlet Radio Bio-Bio.
According to Giacaman, the audit authority’s approval also secures the organisation of the WRC round in 2026.
“The rally agreement covers two years, and the approval applies to that contract.”
“We’re already thinking about what’s to come from 2026 to 2028. It’s going to be something completely different – we’ve already discussed it with the organiser and international bodies,” Giacaman said.
The decision made by the audit authority at the end of June stated that the contracts and authorisations between Sernatur and Horta Producciones – concerning payments for rights, licences, and event management – were not legally valid.
The case also raised issues due to the fact that Sernatur had signed the contract with Horta Producciones directly, without a competitive bidding process. Moreover, the agency had not clearly defined the payment structure or conditions. The contract also contained other legally vague terms.
Biobío’s regional government also acted prematurely by transferring funds to Sernatur before the payments had received formal approval.
Rally Chile is scheduled for 11–14 September. The WRC season continues next week with Rally Estonia.
