Asunción, Agencia IP.- The symbolic start of the WRC in Paraguay occurred at the Sambadrome in Encarnación, marking the first time in history that the FIA World Rally Championship includes our country as a stop. «From this moment on, it will be a mandatory stop, the WRC must never again leave Paraguay,» stated President Santiago Peña.
The start gathered the 48 competitors who will race across Itapúa’s terrain beginning today. Government officials, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and WRC Executive Director Jona Siebel attended the event.
«This is the beginning of something magical in this country. Mr. President, you told us in Finland about the beautiful landscapes and the warmth of your people, and all of that is absolutely true,» Siebel told the crowd.
Since the weekend, when the first competitors arrived, there has been nothing but praise for the Paraguayan organization and hospitality, and the opening event was no exception.
President Peña emphasized that Paraguayans have shown their passion for motorsport since the first edition of the Transchaco Rally in 1971: «From now on, Paraguay will be a mandatory stage. The challenge we have is to make sure the WRC never leaves Paraguay again.»