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Argentina is set to rejoin the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2028 following the signing of a new multi-year agreement. The South American nation, which hosted the event regularly between 1980 and 2019, will see the rally return to its traditional home in the province of Cordoba.
A Historic Return to Cordoba
The WRC has finalized the deal with the Government of Cordoba, which will see the region host the rally once again. The event’s service park is expected to be based at the sporting precinct surrounding the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. Organizers are currently developing a route that aims to feature some of the rally’s most iconic stages, such as El Condor.
Martin Llaryora, the Governor of Cordoba Province, emphasized the significance of the event for the region. “The Rally is part of Cordoba’s history and passion, but it also means tourism and jobs for our people,” Llaryora stated. He expressed gratitude to the FIA and the Automovil Club Argentino (ACA) for facilitating the return, adding that the province is prepared to host major international events once more.
As part of the preparation process, the FIA will observe a candidate event scheduled for March next year, which will run as part of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship.
Strategic Vision for the WRC
WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier highlighted the importance of the country’s rally heritage. “Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the WRC,” Boullier said. He noted that the multi-year commitment is intended to establish a sustainable, long-term future for the event and reconnect the championship with a deeply passionate fan base.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who had previously advocated for the return of the event, expressed his support for the move. “Argentina is a country with motorsport in its blood, passionate fans and remarkable terrain,” he said. Ben Sulayem noted that the return aligns with the championship’s broader goals of global growth and increased investment following recent organizational changes.
Impact on South American Rounds
The addition of Argentina to the 2028 schedule raises questions regarding the future of other South American rounds. Currently, both Chile and Paraguay are included in the 2027 WRC calendar. Paraguay is entering the final year of its initial three-year contract, though the event has recently faced uncertainty following the collapse of its title sponsor, Ueno Bank, and the subsequent removal of Paraguayan President Santiago Pena from his role as a key supporter of the rally.
Despite these challenges, the FIA has confirmed that preparations for the 2027 Rally Paraguay, scheduled for 21-24 October, are proceeding as planned. Local reports suggest that organizers remain confident in their ability to secure a new title sponsor for the event.
