FIA/CODASUR has confirmed Paraguay as the host of the fourth round of the 2026 FIA/CODASUR South American Rally Championship. Organisers originally scheduled the event to take place in Bolivia, but it will now run in Paraguay. From 24 to 26 July 2026, the Cordillera department will serve as the host region. The switch happened due to a serious sociopolitical and economic crisis in Bolivia, which created “circumstances of force majeure” (unforeseeable events beyond the organiser’s control) that made it impossible for the Bolivian Automobile Club to host the event safely and effectively.
The change means Paraguay will host a second round of the continental championship this season, following an earlier event in the country. Organisers are now working to ensure continuity in the championship calendar despite the change of venue.
Official confirmation
The Confederación Deportiva de Automovilismo Sudamericana (CODASUR) confirmed that Paraguay’s candidacy to host the event had been accepted.
‘The FIA CODASUR Rally Championship informs that, following a meeting of the authorities of the associations involved and subject to approval by the FIA Rally Commission and the corresponding Sporting Commission, it has been resolved to accept Paraguay’s candidacy to host the fourth round of the 2026 calendar. The decision was taken by consensus among the parties involved, considering the circumstances of force majeure beyond the control of the originally designated organiser,’ the statement from FIA read.
‘We thank the efforts of the Bolivian Automobile Club authorities and hope to return to Bolivia in future editions. The race will now take place in Paraguay, maintaining the date already approved on the FIA international calendar. Further details regarding the organisation will be announced in due course,’ it added.
Following the announcement, the Touring and Automobile Club of Paraguay (TACPy) has begun preliminary preparations for the event. Édgar Molas, president of TACPy’s Sports Commission, has been inspecting potential routes across the Cordillera department.
Paraguay’s strong presence in CODASUR history
The FIA CODASUR Rally Championship is the premier South American rally series. The FIA and the regional governing body CODASUR organise the championship, which includes rallies across multiple South American countries. The series has long served as a key platform for the region’s rally talent.
Paraguay has played a prominent role in the championship in recent years, both as a host nation and through its drivers. Among them, Gustavo Saba stands out as the country’s most successful competitor in CODASUR history, with multiple regional titles to his name. His victories have come across different eras of the championship and with various rally vehicles, reflecting his long-standing presence at the top level of South American rallying.
Other notable drivers in the championship’s history include Argentine competitors Roberto Sánchez and Raúl Martínez. Both multiple title winners, as well as Paraguayan driver Diego Domínguez, who has also achieved success at continental level.
Key event in the 2026 championship battle
With valuable championship points at stake, the Cordillera round will play an important role in shaping the 2026 FIA/CODASUR South American Rally Championship standings. Teams and drivers will now focus on preparing for the mid-season event, which is likely to attract strong regional participation. Organisers will announce further details, including the stage layout and entry list, closer to the event date.
