‘Passion for motorsports is incredible’: FIA President Ben Sulayem hails new era of rallying in Paraguay

DUBAI: Paraguay’s President Santiago Pena joined FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and hundreds of thousands of fans at FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay this weekend, to celebrate the growth of motorsport in the country and a new chapter for rallying worldwide.

The two officials met to discuss the development of motorsport in Paraguay and across the Americas, including creating opportunities for young people and bringing more world-class competition to the region.

They watched the iconic Paso de los Teros, a replica of the legendary Group B Audi Quattro S1, which has been built in Paraguay, take on SS17 Encarnacion.

The moment held particular significance for Ben Sulayem, a 14-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion, who competed in an Audi Quattro during his career at the 1987 Qatar Rally.

They also met local karters, seeing the enthusiasm for motorsport among the next generation and the importance of creating accessible pathways into competition.

Ben Sulayem said in a press release: “The passion for motorsport in Paraguay is incredible. President Pena shares that passion and understands the opportunities our sport can create for young people, communities and the country.”

Rally del Paraguay continues to strengthen its place on the international motorsport stage, with 300,000 fans at this round of the championship on the country’s distinctive red gravel roads, a 42.8 percent increase on fan numbers compared to its inaugural year in 2025.

The weekend also came at a pivotal moment for the future of rallying following the FIA’s landmark new long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship.

Following FIA approval, Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have acquired