The figure was confirmed by Rodrigo Maluff, Minister-Adviser to the Presidency of the Republic, who highlighted the massive turnout recorded during the day. “Over 10,000 people: general admission, premium seating, boxes, athletes, media and artists. And a few thousand more outside the Sambódromo, along the exhibition circuit on the Costanera and in the Fan Zone,” said Maluff.
The eyes of the world were fixed on the banks of the Paraná, looking towards the Encarnación Civic Centre, which became the meeting point for fans, families, officials, teams and the stars of a competition which, having been recognised as the world’s best rally in 2025, returns to Paraguay with an even more ambitious programme.
The gates of the Sambódromo opened at 4.00 pm to make way for a show that included the Botelleras Folk Dance Show and a DJ set. Against a backdrop of electronic music, the crowd cheered on the drivers’ ‘Walk of Fame’. The WRC stars made their way on foot through the Sambódromo, interacting with the fans and throwing Paraguayan national team shirts bearing their car numbers onto the crowd. The pre-event festivities concluded with a team photo on the ramp and the presentation of the anthem for the 2026 Paraguay Rally.
The official ceremony began at 7.00 pm with an energetic opening audiovisual presentation. The singing of the national anthem by Purahei Soul paved the way for the authorities to take the stage. The President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, addressed those present. Speeches were also given by the WRC representative and the FIA representative.
A light show and the glow of wristbands in the crowd lit up the night sky as the teams drove up the ramp and were introduced. Sixty crews – 29 Paraguayan teams and 31 foreign crews – paraded through the sambódromo. The fans never stopped cheering on their favourite drivers, whilst the drivers responded to their supporters with waves and impressive, precise doughnuts – known in Paraguay as ‘trompos’ in local slang – which proved to be one of the highlights for the crowd.
The celebrations extended beyond the Sambódromo. Thousands of people gathered at various points along the Costanera to watch the exhibition lap, whilst the Fan Zone provided another major meeting point for motorsport fans.
The day drew to a close with a performance by the band Kachiporros, followed by a fireworks display that fired up the crowd and heralded a weekend packed with adrenaline, speed and excitement during another edition of the world’s best rally.
