FIA figures show that 300,000 fans attended the Rally del Paraguay this year, a 42.8 percent increase over the previous edition. President Santiago Peña of Paraguay joined FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the event in Encarnación during the weekend of August 29-31. The two watched the Paso de los Teros, a Paraguayan-built replica of the Audi Quattro S1, compete on special stage 17. They also engaged with local young karters to emphasize pathways into the sport.
Ben Sulayem, a 14-time Middle East rally champion who competed in an Audi Quattro at the 1987 Qatar Rally, highlighted the significance of the moment in an FIA statement. The pair discussed expanding motorsport in Paraguay and the Americas, focusing on youth opportunities and more international events. Paraguay hosted the FIA American Congress in Asunción the previous year, which helped strengthen regional ties.
The weekend coincided with the FIA’s announcement of a new long-term commercial rights agreement for the World Rally Championship and European Rally Championship. Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital acquired WRC Promoter GmbH following FIA approval in a transaction labeled the deal of the century by the governing body. The partnership aims to expand global audiences, improve content and storytelling, and connect fans more directly with the action. A new FIA Growth Fund will support development across all levels of the sport.
According to the FIA statement, Ben Sulayem said, “The passion for motorsport in Paraguay is incredible. President Peña shares that passion and understands the opportunities our sport can create for young people, communities, and the country.” He added that the new promoter agreement would bring significant new investment while placing fans at the center and supporting the sport through the growth fund.
Peña, in remarks reported by the FIA, said, “President Ben Sulayem’s presence at the Rally del Paraguay for a second consecutive year is a powerful recognition of Paraguay’s growing role on the world motorsport stage.” He noted that it reflects the FIA’s confidence in the country and the passion of its people for rally. “The Rally del Paraguay has already been recognized as the Best Rally in the World, and we are determined to uphold that distinction,” Peña continued. Its challenging roads, exceptional landscapes and passionate fans make it a must-see on the calendar.
The rally has built on its successful 2025 debut to establish itself as a key event in South America. President Peña has championed the WRC’s arrival since taking office, viewing it as a boost for national development and tourism. The new commercial structure is set to provide resources for similar growth initiatives in other emerging markets.
