When Fabiana Ecclestone arrived in Paraguay to take part in the FIA American Congress 2025, ahead of the WRC Rally del Paraguay 2025, the FIA Vice-President for Sport overseeing South America finds herself at the heart of a historic moment. With Paraguay hosting the major FIA congress, as well as making its debut on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, the country positions itself as an emerging motorsports reference point in the region.
In an exclusive interview with The Asunción Times, ahead of the WRC Rally del Paraguay that will be held from 28 to 31 August, 2025, Brazilian Ecclestone sparks conversations about Paraguay’s future role in motorsport. And could the country, after its World Rally Championship, one day host a Formula 1 race?
Beyond the tracks
When arriving in Paraguay, Ecclestone, wife of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was instantly struck not by the cars or the tracks, but by the people. “I am really impressed with Paraguay,” she recalls at the Sheraton Asunción Hotel during the FIA American Congress 2025.
“When I came into the airport, I was received with dancing and music, and beautiful smiles on the faces of people showing their culture. This touch of Paraguay warms my heart. And the food is amazing. I love the chipitas, mbeju, and the soup that is not a soup? Sopa paraguaya, yes! Very good. I see there is development going on. I see a younger population, with lots of potential.”
As the FIA Vice-President for Sport overseeing South America, she plays a key role in advancing motorsport and mobility initiatives in the region. Her work focuses on creating opportunities for youth, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that motorsport continues to grow, while remaining connected to society’s real needs.
The positive impact of motorsport events
Drawing from her experience in her home country Brazil, Ecclestone highlights the transformative power of hosting global motorsport competitions.
“Any international event has a positive impact in the country,” she explains. “For Paraguay hosting the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time, brings exposure of the country worldwide. Participants and tourists take a positive experience wherever they go. And you build everything around the tracks: you create jobs, exchange knowledge, and move the economy.”
This is the vision she also sees for Paraguay: a nation gaining visibility through motorsport. Showcasing its culture abroad, and inspiring its people at home.
“I think Paraguayan President Santiago Peña is a visionary,” she says. “He sees the importance of international events, and shows the potential of Paraguay. Both at home, and abroad.”
Motorsport as education and opportunity
Motorsport goes beyond racing, Ecclestone continues. “It is a school of values. Inside FIA, we have programmes where participants go abroad, joining and learning from our international events, and then return to train others. This creates a cycle of knowledge.”
While Paraguayans do not yet have access to such programmes, Ecclestone confirms it is only a matter of time, given the enthusiasm she has seen.
A personal note from Fabiana Ecclestone
Ecclestone is particularly passionate about encouraging young people, to see motorsport as a place for them. “I started in motorsports at 17 years old at the Brazilian Grand Prix on a temporary job. From there I kept progressing. You have to pursue your dreams and do the best you can. Do not let anybody doubt you. Believe in yourself and keep your eyes open for opportunities,” she urges.
For Ecclestone, motorsport teaches discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. Values that prepare young people for careers not only on the track, but in many other fields.
Can Paraguay host Formula 1?
Then, the big question for Paraguay: Could the country, after its World Rally Championship debut this August, one day host a Formula 1 race? Ecclestone’s answer is direct and optimistic.
“I do not see any reasons why not. The most important thing is the willingness. It is about having a racetrack approved by the FIA, unified commitment from government, motorsport clubs, and organisers, and public enthusiasm that proves the event will be welcomed and celebrated. In Paraguay the government and the people have the interest. You have the key factor. It is just about time.”
With strong government backing and the passion of its people, the foundation is set. The next step is infrastructure: “Once you have a racetrack that is homologated and approved by the FIA, I do not see why Paraguay could not host.”
Paraguay’s formula for the future
From Encarnación’s WRC racetracks, to Asunción’s FIA American Congress; Paraguay is making itself known in the motorsport world. Fabiana Ecclestone sees all the elements in place: the culture, youth, passion, leadership, and ambition. “I think Paraguay has all the ingredients in the equation,” she says with conviction.
Paving the path to a Paraguayan Grand Prix may take time, but with a visionary government, committed clubs, and a passionate younger generation, the dream no longer feels distant. As Ecclestone puts it: “Once you have the willingness, the government, the clubs, and the people together, there are no limits.”
To follow her stay in Paraguay and around the WRC racetracks, find Fabiana Ecclestone on Instagram.
