The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in Paraguay officially kicked off on Friday, 29 August 2025, in Cambyretá, Itapúa Department. Competitors raced along an 18.7-kilometre route, thrilling spectators.
Starting at 8:00 AM, drivers participating in the World Rally Championship of Paraguay accelerated through the red dust of Cambyretá. This first special stage marks the beginning of an unprecedented competition that will extend until Sunday, covering 13 districts of Itapúa.
Next stages
On Friday, the rally also includea stages in Nueva Alborada, Yerbatera, and the Autódromo, with the final passage expected around 5:00 pm.
Saturday’s stages will take drivers through Carmen del Paraná, Artigas, Cantera and the Autódromo. The rally concludes on Sunday with stages in Bella Vista, culminating at the Trinidad Jesuit Mission where the awards ceremony will take place.
Grand Ceremony the night before
The FIA World Rally Championship kicking off marked a historic milestone with its inaugural event in Paraguay, launched symbolically at the Sambadrome in Encarnación. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared the occasion a defining moment, asserting, “From this moment forward, it will be a mandatory stop. The WRC must never again leave Paraguay.”
The ceremonial start drew 48 competitors poised to tackle the challenging terrain of Itapúa. Dignitaries in attendance included government officials, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and WRC Executive Director Jona Siebel, who joined thousands of spectators to celebrate the landmark event.
“The beginnning of something magical”
Addressing the crowd, Siebel remarked, “This is the beginning of something magical in this country. Mr. President, you spoke in Finland of the beautiful landscapes and the warmth of your people, and all of that is absolutely true.”
His words echoed the sentiments of competitors, who, since their arrival over the weekend, have lauded the impeccable organisation and hospitality of Paraguay. President Peña highlighted the nation’s deep-rooted passion for motorsport, dating back to the inaugural Transchaco Rally in 1971.
