Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, has expressed optimism regarding the potential return of Argentina to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in the near future. Argentina has a storied history in the WRC, having been a regular feature from 1980 to 2019, with only two years, 1995 and 2010, marking its absence from the series.
The absence of the Argentine rally was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to significant changes in the championship's schedule. In 2023, the WRC made a return to South America with a round in Chile, and the championship has continued to maintain its presence on the continent since then. Notably, the series added a second South American event in Paraguay, which is located close to the Argentine border in Encarnacion. This event has quickly gained popularity, even winning the 'best rally of the year' award for 2025.
Discussions about Argentina's potential re-entry into the WRC began in 2022, when Ben Sulayem revealed that negotiations were underway for the country to return in 2023. However, those talks did not culminate in a revival of the event. Recently, during a press conference, the FIA president reiterated that discussions are ongoing, emphasizing that Argentina is among several countries being considered for future inclusion in the WRC calendar.
“We are discussing this. It is not just Argentina; there are many other countries that logistically could fit,” Ben Sulayem stated. He underscored Argentina's rich rally heritage, noting his own experience rallying in the country and the enthusiastic fan base that supports the sport. “There is no reason not to be there,” he added, highlighting the potential for a successful rally in Argentina.
During a recent FIA American Congress press conference held in Buenos Aires, the topic of Argentina's return to the WRC was revisited. Ben Sulayem acknowledged the patience of Argentine fans, stating, “The people have been very patient, waiting for the right moment, waiting for the right race to be here. I promise you, the FIA is supportive for you, and also the promoter when it comes to the WRC.”
He further explained that the FIA is actively working with the new promoter, who he described as a partner rather than just a promoter, to ensure the WRC's successful return to Argentina. “Things are going very well, I would say, and I am optimistic that we will see an event of the WRC back where it belongs also in Argentina,” he concluded.
While the earliest Argentina could realistically return to the WRC calendar is 2028, as a candidate rally would need to be conducted for the FIA to evaluate its suitability, the anticipation for the event's revival remains high. The WRC's 2027 calendar is expected to include three new events, with Scotland, the USA, and Rome among the candidates this year.
Leave a Comment