Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Celebrate New Era of Rallying in Encarnación

Paraguayan President H.E. Santiago Peña joined FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem and hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans at the FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay, highlighting the country's growing role on the international rallying stage and the future development of motorsport across the Americas.

The two leaders met during the rally weekend to discuss the continued growth of motorsport in Paraguay, including opportunities for young people to enter the sport at grassroots level and efforts to bring more international competitions to the region.

Rally del Paraguay attracts 300,000 fans

Rally del Paraguay drew around 300,000 spectators this year, marking a 42.8% increase in attendance compared with its inaugural edition in 2025. Fans gathered along the country's distinctive red gravel roads to watch the FIA World Rally Championship action.

During the visit, Peña and Ben Sulayem watched the Paraguayan-built ‘Paso de los Teros’, a replica of the iconic Group B Audi Quattro S1, compete in SS17 Encarnación.

The appearance of the Audi Quattro had particular significance for Ben Sulayem, who is a 14-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion and competed in an Audi Quattro during his rallying career at the 1987 Qatar Rally.

The FIA president and the Paraguayan president also met local karting drivers, highlighting the importance of providing accessible opportunities for young people interested in motorsport.

New investment set to shape rallying's future

The rally weekend came shortly after the FIA approved a new long-term commercial rights agreement covering the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship.

Under the agreement, Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have acquired WRC Promoter GmbH, bringing significant new investment into the sport. The partnership is expected to focus on expanding global audiences, strengthening storytelling and content, and creating closer connections between fans and rallying.

A central element of the agreement is the creation of a new FIA Growth Fund, which is intended to support rallying at multiple levels, from international championships to grassroots participation.

Ben Sulayem said Paraguay's enthusiasm for motorsport demonstrated the opportunities the sport can create for young people, communities and the wider country.

He also highlighted the significance of seeing the Audi Quattro compete in Paraguay while stressing that the future development of rallying remains equally important.

According to the FIA president, the new promoter agreement and Growth Fund will help expand access to the sport and support its development worldwide.

Paraguay strengthens its motorsport ambitions

President Peña said Ben Sulayem's second consecutive visit to Rally del Paraguay reflected the FIA's confidence in the country as a partner for the future of motorsport.

He also pointed to the rally's growing international reputation, citing its challenging roads, landscapes and strong fan support as factors contributing to its appeal on the WRC calendar.

Peña has been a strong supporter of bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to Paraguay and developing the country's broader motorsport ecosystem.

Paraguay also hosted the 2025 FIA American Congress in Asunción, bringing together FIA Member Clubs from across the Americas to discuss the future of motorsport and mobility.

With rising attendance, growing international investment and increased emphasis on developing young talent, Rally del Paraguay is emerging as an important platform for the expansion of rallying in the Americas.