The South American classic, Rally Argentina, is actively forging its path back to the official WRC calendar for the 2028 season. Absent from the top-tier international stage since 2019, the iconic event known for its punishing rocky gravel stages and passionate crowds will take its crucial first step via a candidate rally held this coming March under the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship banner.
Should the FIA and WRC Promoter express satisfaction with the candidate event and receive formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council, Rally Argentina will secure a multi-year commitment spanning three seasons starting in 2028. Ambitious plans for the Cordoba-based round include re-establishing the main service park at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes alongside an expanded, fan-friendly WRC Arena format, while reincorporating world-famous special stages such as El Condor.
The road to revival has been fraught with hurdles for the local organizers. After losing the 2020 edition due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the event was excluded from an all-European calendar structure in subsequent years. Severe financial constraints and logistical complexities further delayed an immediate comeback, especially after Villa Carlos Paz—the former operational hub of the rally—was struck by severe wildfires in late 2023. As reported by DirtFish, structured work to bring the fixture back was initiated early last year.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem retains fond personal memories of competing across the Cordoba mountains. The 1993 running marked his finest personal performance in the world championship, where he secured sixth overall and claimed a dominant victory in the Group N category behind the wheel of a Ford Escort RS Cosworth. "Argentina is a country with motorsport in its blood, passionate fans and remarkable terrain," Ben Sulayem stated, emphasizing that securing a return aligns with the sport's ongoing global growth strategy.
Echoing these sentiments, WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier highlighted the unique energy of South American rally culture. "Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the championship. Few events can match the passion of the fans in Cordoba or the atmosphere surrounding its legendary stages. This multi-year commitment is about building a sustainable, long-term future for Rally Argentina," Boullier noted.
Throughout the upcoming candidate event in March, dedicated FIA delegates will evaluate organizational standards alongside the Automovil Club Argentino and local organizers, ensuring all sporting, safety, and logistical metrics meet the rigorous standards demanded by the world championship.
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