The FIA has confirmed a roadmap for Argentina’s return to the World Rally Championship, beginning with a candidate rally in Córdoba in March 2027.
This event, part of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship, serves as the formal assessment required to potentially reintegrate Rally Argentina into the WRC calendar by 2028.
After a hiatus from the premier championship series since 2019, the sport is moving to re-establish its roots in a region known for high-intensity motorsport engagement. This process involves a rigorous evaluation of infrastructure and safety protocols to ensure the local terrain meets global standards.
“Argentina is a country with motorsport in its blood, passionate fans and remarkable terrain,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, told Federation Internationale de l’Automobile. He said that he has “great personal memories of competing in Córdoba” and emphasized that securing a return to the country builds on the global momentum of the sport.
Cordoba prepares for the 2027 assessment
The 2027 candidate rally is not merely a ceremonial event but a critical technical audit. During the three-day competition in March, FIA delegates will scrutinize sporting operations, medical arrangements, and the logistical capabilities of the service parks. Working alongside the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), the FIA will use this window to identify any necessary developments to meet World Championship requirements.
🇦🇷 BREAKING NEWS 🇦🇷 Rally Argentina takes the first step towards returning to the FIA World Rally Championship! The FIA has today confirmed an FIA WRC candidate rally will take place in Córdoba in March 2027, with FIA officials assessing the rally against FIA World Championship…
Successful execution of this candidate event would allow the WRC Promoter to include Rally Argentina in the 2028 calendar. Organizers are already looking toward long-term infrastructure, including the potential development of a new WRC Arena near the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba. This facility would serve as the central hub for both the service park and spectator entertainment.
The technical focus remains on the legendary gravel stages that have defined the event’s history. Route planning is currently exploring the return of celebrated sections, most notably the iconic El Cóndor stage. This stage has historically been a cornerstone of the rally’s difficulty and appeal.
One of the most iconic rallies is coming back! 🇦🇷 See you in Argentina in 2028! ❤️#WRC | #RallyArgentina pic.twitter.com/dQdwMb6p7e
Expanding the global motorsport footprint
The push to bring Argentina back to the forefront coincides with a broader period of expansion for the WRC. The championship is currently diversifying its geographic reach, moving beyond traditional European strongholds to capture new audiences in the Americas and Asia. The scheduling of new events in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy for 2027 illustrates this aggressive growth strategy.
Local authorities view the championship as a driver for tourism and employment.
| Event Milestone | Scheduled Timing | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| FIA CODASUR Candidate Rally | March 2027 | Technical and safety assessment by FIA delegates |
| WRC Calendar Eligibility | 2028 | Potential formal inclusion in the WRC championship |
| WRC Global Expansion | 2027 | Debut of new events in USA, UK, and Italy |
“This multi-year commitment is about more than simply returning to a familiar destination,” César Carman, President of the Automóvil Club Argentino, told Federation Internationale de l’Automobile. He said that the goal is to build a “sustainable, long-term future for Rally Argentina.”
Legacy and the path to 2028
Rally Argentina carries a significant historical weight, having been held since 1980. It has long been regarded as one of the most celebrated rounds of the championship due to the combination of technical gravel stages and the density of the spectator crowds in the Córdoba mountains.
The logistical complexity of the return is being managed through a partnership between the FIA, the ACA, and local provincial leadership. Martín Llaryora, Governor of Córdoba, confirmed that the province is working to ensure they are “up to the challenge” of hosting a world-class event. He said that the rally is a fundamental part of the region’s history and a tool for economic strengthening.
“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,” César Carman told Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
The championship is currently entering a new era following what the FIA describes as the “Deal of the Century,” which has brought increased investment and a clearer vision for global growth via the WRC Promoter.
The first formal step in this multi-year process will take place in the Córdoba mountains during March 2027.
