As Motorsport.com España reports, Argentina is officially set to return to the World Rally Championship calendar in 2028, marking a stunning comeback for the South American nation after a nine-year absence. The country boasts a rich, storied history in the championship, having regularly hosted events on its demanding, rocky gravel stages from 1980 through 2019, save for the years 1995 and 2010. A planned 2020 edition was lost to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving Chile and Paraguay as the continent's sole representatives on the WRC stage in the interim.
Now, a fresh multi-year deal struck with the Government of Córdoba—the country's second-largest city—will bring the world's best rally machines roaring back to familiar territory. Córdoba will serve as the event's home base once again, with the service park set to occupy the sports complex surrounding the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. Organizers are also working on a route that could revive some of the most iconic stages in rally lore, including the legendary El Cóndor.
The Rally forms part of the history and of the passion of Córdoba, but also means tourism and jobs for our people,
Before the championship points are handed out in 2028, the FIA will oversee a candidate event in the first quarter of 2027 as part of the Campeonato FIA CODASUR de Rallies, the regional South American series. Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had previously championed and anticipated the country's return back in September, highlighting the nation's motorsport passion and his own personal memories of competing in Córdoba.
Martín Llaryora, governor of the province of Córdoba, emphasized the immense local significance of the announcement. "The Rally forms part of the history and of the passion of Córdoba, but also means tourism and jobs for our people," Llaryora declared, while also offering thanks to the FIA and the Automóvil Club Argentino. WRC Promoter executive director Eric Boullier echoed that excitement, noting the unmatched enthusiasm of the local fans and framing the multi-year commitment as a way to build a sustainable, long-term future for the Rally of Argentina.
At the same time, questions remain regarding how this blockbuster addition will impact the championship's other South American stops. Both Chile and Paraguay feature on the 2027 schedule, though Paraguay's event is entering the final year of its initial three-season contract. The Rally of Paraguay recently made headlines following the bankruptcy of its main sponsor, Ueno Bank, which led to the dismissal of President Santiago Peña, a major driver behind the event. Despite this, the FIA has confirmed that preparations for next year's edition are pressing on as planned, with organizers expressing confidence in securing a new title sponsor.
