Argentina to Return to World Rally Championship Calendar in 2028
Argentina to Return to World Rally Championship Calendar in 2028
Argentina will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2028 with the reinstatement of the Córdoba Rally. The announcement was made by provincial officials and WRC leadership, drawing praise from former champions and governing bodies for restoring a key event in motorsport history.
Argentina is set to return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2028, following an official announcement that the Córdoba Rally will be reinstated as a competitive event.
The confirmation was delivered by Córdoba Governor Martín Llaryora during a presentation attended by key figures from the sport’s governing and promotional bodies. Present included WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier, Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA) President César Carman, and Córdoba Sports Agency President Agustín Calleri.
Llaryora emphasized the cultural significance of the event to the province. "The Rally in Córdoba isn’t just any event; it’s a special one," he said. He described the rally as integral to the region's identity, comparing its status to that of the historic university and the traditional cuarteto music genre.
"It’s part of our culture and our unique character," Llaryora added.
The event is scheduled to take place between March and April. This timing aligns with Provincial Law 8751 on Fire Management, which prohibits mass gatherings in mountainous areas during the dry season, defined as running from June 1 to December 31.
Boullier expressed enthusiasm for the return of the Argentine round. "Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the WRC," he said. He noted that few events match the passion of fans in Córdoba or the atmosphere surrounding its legendary stages, stating that bringing the championship back is a source of excitement for the promoter.
The Córdoba Rally was a staple of the WRC from its inception in 1984 until its removal in 2020. At its peak, attendance reached over one million people in 1999. The event produced numerous memorable moments in rallying history, including Jorge Recalde’s 1988 victory, which remains the only win by a South American driver in a WRC event.
Other notable instances included Scottish champion Colin McRae repairing his Subaru Impreza’s suspension arm with a rock during the 1998 race, and Belgian driver Thierry Neuville defeating Elfyn Evans by just seven-tenths of a second at the El Condor stage in 2017.
The rally was removed from the calendar in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent reorganization of the WRC schedule. It remains the only international event of its kind previously held in Argentina.
The announcement received support from prominent figures in motorsport. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), described Argentina as having "motorsport in its blood." The Emirati executive, a former rally driver who competed in Córdoba twice, cited the country's incredible rallying heritage and his own personal memories of competing there.
Former world rally champion Petter Solberg also welcomed the news on social media platform X. He described the return as fantastic news, recalling that racing in Argentina was always a highlight of his career due to the stages, atmosphere, and fans. Solberg noted he still receives support from Argentine followers and expressed anticipation for his return to the event.
P.Campos--GBA
