Nov. 12 (UPI) — The World Rally Championship announced Thursday plans to return to Córdoba, Argentina, in 2028 under a multiyear agreement with the provincial government, with a candidate event scheduled for next year.
The WRC said the agreement with Córdoba Gov. Martín Llaryora paves the way for Rally Argentina to rejoin the championship for the first time since 2019.
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Cars that compete are heavily modified, road-legal compact hatchback or crossover engineered for extreme off-road speed and durability.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, motorsport’s governing body, said inclusion in the calendar would require a successful candidate rally and confirmation by its World Motor Sport Council.
The three-day evaluation event will take place in Córdoba in March 2027 as part of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship, South America’s regional series.
FIA delegates will assess sporting operations, safety and medical arrangements, infrastructure and organizational capabilities, including proposed stages and service park facilities.
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Former world rally champion Petter Solberg welcomed the announcement in a social media post.
“Rallying there was always a highlight throughout my career,” Solberg wrote. He praised the stages, atmosphere and fans, adding that he continued to receive support from Argentina. I can’t wait to be back!”
Officials will work with the Automóvil Club Argentino and local organizers to identify improvements needed to meet world championship standards. A successful assessment would make the rally eligible for inclusion in the WRC calendar for 2028.
Preparations include a proposed WRC Arena around Córdoba’s Mario Alberto Kempes stadium, combining facilities where teams service their cars with entertainment for spectators.
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Planners also are considering bringing back El Cóndor, one of the gravel stages associated with Rally Argentina, which was first held in 1980.
Llaryora presented the return Thursday at Córdoba’s provincial government headquarters, local broadcaster El Doce reported. He said the competition would attract tourists and generate jobs, while provincial sports officials said negotiations began in 2024.
“Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the WRC,” promoter CEO Éric Boullier said in the championship’s announcement.
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