Paraguayan rally star Gustavo Saba finally captured the crown of the prestigious Transchaco Rally in its 50th edition, delivering a dramatic comeback and sealing his place in national motorsport history. The Transchaco Rally, or Rally del Chaco, is Paraguay’s most iconic domestic motorsport event, a multi-stage gravel rally emphasising speed, endurance, and navigation through the rugged Chaco region.
Often described as one of the world’s toughest rallies, it challenges drivers with high-speed straights, extreme weather, dust, and remote terrain, including the infamous Transchaco Highway.
A rally career built on consistency
From his early days behind the wheel to multiple South American titles, Saba is one of Paraguay’s most decorated rally drivers. Born on 24 July 1979 in Asunción, he has led his own team, Saba Competición, for years and claimed numerous FIA CODASUR Rally Championship titles. Despite his dominance in the region, the Chaco victory had eluded him. Until October 2025.
Transchaco Rally victory forged in final stage
Entering the Rally del Chaco with determination, Saba and co-driver José Díaz faced a tough weekend. After finishing Stage 1 in fourth and Stage 2 in second, they launched a powerful push on the final leg to overtake rival Fau Zaldívar. With nine of 18 special stages under his belt, Saba finished with a commanding lead of 3 minutes 38 seconds. His victory not only ended the wait but underscored his resilience and skill.
Saba’s success matters for more than just the trophy. It reinforces Paraguay’s standing in Latin American rallying and gives local fans a home-grown hero to celebrate. It also comes at a moment when Paraguay just hosted the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2025, making his win timely and symbolic.
Next chapters: Ambition, legacy, and growth
Now that the biggest domestic race is checked off the list, Saba is focused on maintaining momentum. The win opens doors for sponsorships, advances Paraguay’s rally infrastructure, and inspires emerging drivers. He is also targeting strong performances in upcoming regional and international events — racing not only for himself, but for the next generation.
From the dusty roads of the Chaco to the world stage, Gustavo Saba’s triumph is more than a championship: it’s a defining moment for Paraguayan motorsport. To follow his career, find Gustavo Saba on Instagram.
