World-class drivers are revving their engines to enter Guaraní territory, specifically the department of Itapúa, which will be the epicenter of the tenth round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay 2025.
Red earth, lots of dust, green landscapes, and nature in the 13 cities of the south of the country, which will challenge powerful engines, await international and national professional drivers who will compete in this new edition of the WRC, to be held for the first time in Paraguay from August 28 to 31 this year. The historic race on Paraguayan soil will be the tenth date of the 2025 season of a world-class event that will put Paraguay on the global map.
César Marsal, executive director of the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay, spoke with FOCO Business magazine, where he revealed the latest details and expectations of those involved in this great competition, both from the local and international organization, as well as the protagonists, the drivers.
From the organization’s perspective, and as Paraguayans, they are undoubtedly more than happy to host this event. Preparations are progressing on time and in a very effective manner, thanks to the team formed and led by the institutions that govern the sport in Paraguay: the National Sports Secretariat (SND) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP).
High expectations. “Expectations are very high, both locally and internationally. There is a lot of talk about the event abroad because it is the first time that the WRC will visit Paraguay, a new country on the calendar. Our style of roads and the type of terrain represent a demanding challenge for the World Championship drivers, which generates even more interest,” he said.
The competitors are very motivated for this event, as they will be able to write their names in WRC history as the first winners in Paraguay.
Thirteen Paraguayan cities will be part of the circuit during the four days of competition: Encarnación, Cambyretá, Nueva Alborada, Trinidad, Carmen del Paraná, Coronel Bogado, Artigas, Capitán Miranda, Bella Vista, Obligado, Hohenau, San Juan Del Paraná, and Fram.
A 941-kilometer route, 14 rounds, and 30 international crews from France, Spain, Estonia, Ireland, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Mexico, and, of course, Paraguay, in addition to South American drivers.
In addition, it should be noted that this is the tenth of fourteen rounds in the championship, explains César, so many will be fighting for key points to determine the top positions of the season. “They will spare no effort,” assured the executive director of the WRC Rally Paraguay.
In the big leagues. With this event, “Paraguay enters the big leagues of world-class event organization,” he said.
Without a doubt, this is the most important sporting event in Paraguay’s history, as it opens the door to new opportunities in both motorsports and other areas of entertainment and business.
In this regard, César spoke about the various brands that will be present, which in the top category include Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai. In the other classes, Skoda, Citroën, Renault, Peugeot, and Opel predominate, in addition to those already mentioned.
Cross-cutting impact. The World Rally Championship is not just a sporting event, as it will have a cross-cutting impact on the country, involving sectors such as hotels, tourism, gastronomy, fuel, supermarkets, and others. It is estimated to generate between USD 80 and USD 100 million in revenue for the country, directly impacting the aforementioned sectors.
A significant aspect will be the social component, as between 1,000 and 1,500 direct and indirect jobs will be created in the area. Hotel capacity throughout Itapúa and within a 150 km radius will be 100% occupied.
For all these reasons, approximately 250,000 visitors are expected. “The WRC will put Paraguay on the world map as a suitable destination for international events.”
Article originally published (spanish-only) in FOCO Magazine
