The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today confirmed plans for an FIA World Rally Championship (FIA WRC) candidate rally in Argentina in March 2027, marking an important step towards the championship's potential return to Argentina for the first time since 2019.

The candidate rally is scheduled to take place in Córdoba in March 2027 as a round of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship. Across the three-day event, FIA delegates will assess sporting operations, safety and medical arrangements, infrastructure and organisational capabilities, including the proposed stages and service park facilities, to determine its suitability to host a future FIA WRC round.

Working alongside its Member Club, the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), and the local organiser, the FIA will use the assessment to identify any areas requiring further development to meet World Championship standards. A successful candidate rally would make Rally Argentina eligible for inclusion in the FIA WRC calendar by WRC Promoter from 2028.

First held in 1980, Rally Argentina became one of the FIA World Rally Championship's most celebrated events, renowned for its challenging gravel stages, including the iconic El Cóndor stage, and the extraordinary passion of its fans. With tens of thousands of spectators traditionally travelling to the mountains surrounding Córdoba, the rally developed a unique atmosphere that made it a favourite among drivers and fans alike. Its potential return in 2028, would reconnect the championship with one of rallying's most passionate fanbases.

In recent years, the FIA World Rally Championship has continued to expand its global presence, with three new events in the United States, United Kingdom and Italy set to make their debut in 2027. The return of Rally Argentina in 2028 would mark another significant step in the championship's growth, reconnecting the WRC with one of rallying's traditional heartlands in South America and its passionate fanbase, while introducing the sport to new audiences across the region and beyond.

Preparations are already underway for the proposed 2028 event, with route planning exploring the potential return of celebrated stages including El Cóndor, while plans also include a new WRC Arena within the sporting precinct surrounding Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, incorporating the service park and entertainment for spectators.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Argentina is a country with motorsport in its blood, passionate fans and remarkable terrain. It has an incredible rallying heritage, and I have great personal memories of competing in Córdoba. When I visited Argentina earlier this year, I repeated my commitment to bringing world-class competition back to the country and I am proud to announce the first step to achieving that vision.

“Following the historic Deal of the Century and our partnership with the new WRC Promoter, the Championship is entering a new era with increased investment and a clear vision to drive continued growth worldwide. Securing a return to Argentina will not only deliver great excitement for fans but it will build on the global momentum of our sport. I wish the organising team every success as preparations get underway.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said: "Argentina has an incredible history in the FIA World Rally Championship. I have fond memories of the competition here and the extraordinary passion of the fans. As we look to expand the WRC’s global reach, it is encouraging to see Argentina taking the first steps towards a return to the calendar.”

César Carman, President of the Automóvil Club Argentino, said: “We are filled with pride and emotion that the WRC is returning to Argentina, on whose tracks some of the most glorious pages of World Motorsport were written. We want to continue writing that history alongside millions of Argentines who will once again, be able to enjoy and feel passionate about this unique category."

Martín Llaryora, Governor of Córdoba, said: “We have been working very hard to bring the World Rally Championship back to Córdoba, and today we can announce that it will return to our province in 2028. The 2027 Candidate Rally will be a very important step in helping us get ready and show that we are up to the challenge. The Rally is part of Córdoba’s history and passion, but it also means tourism and jobs 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.”

Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said: “Argentina has always held a special place in the history of the WRC. Few events can match the passion of the fans in Córdoba or the atmosphere surrounding its legendary stages, and bringing the championship back is something we are incredibly excited about.

ENDS

For high resolution imagery please click here.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

• Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: [email protected]

Notes to Editors

About the FIA World Rally Championship
Established in 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is the highest level of international rally competition, bringing together the world's leading drivers, co-drivers and teams. Contested across a range of challenging terrains and conditions, from gravel and asphalt to snow and ice, the championship tests driving skill, endurance and technical performance. The WRC continues to expand its global reach, with 15 rounds across five continents scheduled for 2027.

About the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship
The FIA CODASUR Rally Championship is South America's regional rally championship, bringing together competitors and organisers from across the continent. Governed by FIA regulations, the championship provides a platform for regional competition and forms an important part of the FIA's international rallying structure.

About FIA WRC Candidate Rallies
FIA WRC candidate Rallies form part of the assessment process for rallies seeking inclusion in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. FIA officials evaluate the event's sporting operations, safety and medical arrangements, infrastructure and organisational capabilities against FIA WRC standards. Following the assessment, the FIA shares its findings and recommendations with local organisers, with successful candidate rallies submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for confirmation. Once confirmed, the event becomes eligible for inclusion in the WRC calendar by WRC Promoter.