Speculation about Paraguay joining the championship had been circulating for some time. In the 2025 season, the South American country will host a WRC event for the first time.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña announced the multi-year agreement on Saturday evening local time.
“Paraguay is big, and the world is in the process of discovering us. Hosting world-class events such as the WRC, is yet another way to show the world our greatness,” Peña stated.
Paraguay’s inclusion means that two WRC events will take place in South America next year. Chile will also be part of the 2025 WRC calendar.
The announcement also confirms that Argentina’s hopes of rejoining the championship will not be realised next season. Simon Larkin, the WRC Promoter’s Event Director, had previously mentioned that alongside Chile, either Paraguay or Argentina would be included in next year’s calendar.
“We have been in discussions with Paraguay already for a number of years, and I am incredibly pleased to see this agreement across the line,” Larkin said.
The Rally Paraguay will be based in the city of Encarnación, situated on the banks of the Paraná River. A significant number of fans from Argentina are expected to attend, as the Paraná River flows between the two countries. The city of Posadas in Argentina is connected to Encarnación by an international bridge.
The special stages will traverse the Itapúa department. This region also hosts a gravel rally that is part of the South American Rally Championship.
Next season, the WRC will feature two other new events, with rallies also being held in the Canary Islands and Saudi Arabia for the first time.
The 2024 WRC season continues next weekend in Poland.
