The roar of engines, mountain roads, and the passion of Argentine fans will once again be part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). After its last participation in 2019, Argentina is guaranteed to return to the category's calendar in 2028, following a multi-year agreement between the championship promoter and the Government of Córdoba.
The province will once again host one of the most iconic competitions in international motorsport, in a setting that has become a reference for drivers and spectators. First held in 1980, the Rally of Argentina built its own identity from its demanding roads, spectacular river crossings, and historic stages like the legendary El Cóndor, which could return to the route in this new phase.
However, before finalizing the return, there will be a key instance. During March 2027, as part of a date in the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship, a Candidate Rally will take place, which will be supervised by authorities from the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The test will allow evaluation of the sports organization, available infrastructure, and safety protocols to ensure that the event meets the standards required by the World Championship.
Among the main projects for 2028 is the creation of the so-called WRC Arena, a space that will be located within the sports complex surrounding the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. There, the traditional service park will operate, along with areas specifically designated for fans, teams, and sponsors, with the intention of making it the nerve center of the entire competition.
Éric Boullier, executive director of WRC Promoter, highlighted the historical importance of the return and the bond that exists between the category and the Argentine public. "Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the WRC. Few events can match the passion of fans in Córdoba or the atmosphere surrounding its legendary stages; that is why we are extremely excited about the championship's return to this country," he expressed.
Additionally, he emphasized that the agreement not only represents the recovery of a date on the calendar but aims to ensure the long-term continuity of the event. "This multi-year commitment goes beyond a simple return to a familiar destination. It is about building a sustainable long-term future for Rally Argentina and reconnecting the WRC with a country where rally means so much to so many people," he added.
For his part, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, also celebrated the news and recalled his personal connection to the Córdoba competition. "Argentina is a country that has motorsport in its blood, with passionate fans and exceptional terrain. It has an incredible legacy in the world of rallies, and I have great personal memories from when I competed in Córdoba," he stated.
The official also recalled his commitment to bringing back an international competition for the country during a visit made in early 2026. "I am proud to announce the first step to make that vision a reality," he noted.
From the provincial government, Martín Llaryora was one of the main drivers of the efforts to finalize the return. "We have worked intensively to bring the World Rally Championship back to Córdoba, and today we can announce that it will return to our province in 2028. The Candidate Rally in 2027 will be a fundamental step to prepare and demonstrate that we are up to the challenge," he affirmed.
"The rally is part of the history and passion of Córdoba, but it also represents tourism and employment for our people. I want to thank the FIA, the ACA, and everyone who made this return possible. Córdoba is ready to welcome the world and strengthen its position as a host of major events," he concluded.
In this way, Argentina begins to prepare for its return to one of the most important competitions in world motorsport. The immediate challenge will be to successfully pass the evaluation in 2027, while the main goal will be set for 2028, when the WRC will once again traverse the roads of Córdoba and reclaim one of its historic spots on the international calendar.
