The third and final stage of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Paraguay began at 8:29 AM on Sunday. Intermittent rain made the red Itapúa track even more challenging for drivers. Luxembourgish driver Grégoire Munster started the final day on the Bella Vista stage, the 16th special test in the rally. Before the final day, two-time World Rally Champion Luis Moya shared some insights.
“My utmost respect”
Moya commended the exceptional efforts of the Paraguay World Rally organisers and the Paraguayan public. “I offer my utmost respect to them,” The Spaniard declared, suggesting that this event could serve as a standard for the championship globally.
In a discussion with the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, the former co-driver of the distinguished Carlos Sainz for 15 years, with whom he secured victories in two editions of the competition, expressed high praise for the current Paraguay World Rally.
“Having participated in over 160 World Rally Championship races, I assure you that what I witnessed was remarkable,” he stated, reflecting on his experiences in Encarnación during Thursday’s Shakedown and the spectacle of the ceremonial start. “I can only extend my congratulations to all involved and hope that everything continues as it is, for this rally could truly become the standard, in capital letters, in the world of rallying.”
“An oustanding job”
The Spaniard noted that rally competitors always desire an audience, and in this regard, he praised the substantial number of fans who gathered in the Itapúa department and their exemplary conduct.
“There are many people here, a great number of courteous individuals, very polite and proper; they are behaving admirably and with great warmth. I am astonished, as it is not easy to organise a rally with such a large crowd, and an outstanding job is being accomplished here,” he said.
Finally, World Rally Champion Moya highlighted that the images of Paraguay broadcast to the world carry the essence of this land’s identity, which is also highly significant and enhances the value of this event. “The country’s identity is clearly visible in the rally’s images, as the rally aims to demonstrate that you are in that country, and here, in any image of the rally, you see that it is Paraguay, whether it is the Paraná River, the red earth, or those beautiful pink trees. Above all, I was captivated by how the people treat us, who are very friendly.”
Road to the Jesuit Missions
At the end of Saturday’s WRC competition, French Toyota Yaris driver Sébastien Ogier led the standings. His compatriot, Adrien Fourmaux, followed closely behind. British driver Elfyn Evans, Estonian Ott Tänak, and Belgian Thierry Neuville completed the top five going into Sunday. Sunday’s events will conclude on the Trinidad stage, where the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Jesuit Missions.