Paraguayan driver Fau Zaldívar, the country’s representative in the WRC2 Support Championship at the wheel of a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, said that competing in the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay holds special significance as it is the event held in front of his people, his friends and the fans who support him throughout the season.
During his appearance on the programme La Ruta del Rally, hosted by Bicho Riveros and Marcelo Rolón on Rompe Stream, Zaldívar stated that racing in Paraguay evokes unique emotions, both because of the support he receives and the responsibility that comes with representing the country in front of the local crowd. “This is my home rally. I know all the organisers and I’ve always heard other drivers talk about the thrill of racing at home.
Since 2025, I’ve been able to say the same. I know where my friends are, where the crowd is. It’s a unique feeling,” he said.
The driver particularly highlighted the warmth shown by fans in areas such as the Service Park and the Fan Zone, an experience he described as difficult to put into words.
“It was the first time I’d ever felt the affection of so many people. It’s something very profound, which touches you deep in your heart. It’s hard to describe and can only be understood when you experience that moment,” he noted.
Zaldívar also welcomed one of the new features planned for this year’s Rally del Paraguay: greater fan involvement in the prize-giving ceremony. He considered it a wise decision, as the public is an essential part of the sporting spectacle. “I think it will be something unique, because the real star of the rally is the public. They’re also part of this celebration and make the competition what it is. I think one of the organisers’ best decisions was to include them in the awards ceremony,” he said.
He also highlighted the exemplary behaviour of the spectators and the work carried out by the marshals in the previous edition, noting that Paraguay’s recognition as one of the best events on the world calendar is closely linked to the fans’ responsible attitude. “The plaque recognising it as the world’s best rally is largely down to the public. People respected the safety measures and understood the role they had to play in making the competition a success,” he said.
Finally, the Paraguayan driver expressed his optimism regarding the next edition of the competition and revealed that significant initiatives are in the pipeline to continue raising the standard of the event. “We are working to ensure great things happen at this Paraguay Rally,” he concluded.
Tourism sector prepares to welcome thousands of visitors
Also appearing on the programme was the Minister for Tourism, Jacinto Santa María, who spoke about the preparations being led by the National Secretariat for Tourism (SENATUR) ahead of the Paraguay Rally.
Among the topics discussed were the recent launch of the Paraguay Rally Tourist Guide, designed to enhance the experience of domestic and international visitors; promotional activities carried out in the Argentine city of Posadas to attract foreign tourists; progress in the formalisation and training of tourism service providers in Itapúa; the capacity of the hotel, catering and service infrastructure; and the expected economic impact on the host communities.
Santa María highlighted the joint efforts between public institutions, local councils and the private sector to make the Paraguay Rally an international showcase for the country and an opportunity to strengthen tourism as a driver of regional economic development.
