Rally Argentina has moved closer to a long-awaited return to the World Rally Championship, with the FIA confirming plans for a candidate event in Córdoba in March 2027.
The three-day rally will represent a crucial step in the country's efforts to rejoin the WRC calendar for the first time since 2019, with an official return now potentially possible from the 2028 season.
The candidate event will be organised as part of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship, with the FIA working alongside its Member Club, the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), and the local organisers. During the event, FIA delegates will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the proposed rally, examining its sporting operations, safety and medical arrangements, infrastructure and organisational capabilities.
Particular attention will be given to the proposed special stages and service park facilities, as officials will need to establish whether the event can meet the standards required to host a round of the World Rally Championship. The evaluation will also help identify areas that may require further investment or development before Argentina can be considered for a place on the international calendar.
A successful candidate rally would make Argentina eligible for inclusion in the WRC calendar from 2028, although the final decision will rest with the WRC Promoter. The 2027 assessment is therefore an essential part of the process, rather than a guarantee that the event will immediately return to the championship.
First held in 1980, Rally Argentina established itself as one of the most iconic events in the WRC, becoming particularly famous for its demanding gravel roads and passionate spectators. The stages around Córdoba, with the legendary El Cóndor test among its most recognisable locations, created a unique atmosphere that made the rally a favourite among competitors and fans.
Argentina last hosted a WRC round in 2019, before disappearing from the calendar. Its potential return would reconnect the championship with one of its traditional strongholds in South America, where rallying continues to enjoy enormous popularity. The event has traditionally attracted tens of thousands of spectators, particularly to the mountain roads surrounding Córdoba.
Preparations for a potential 2028 edition are already progressing, with route planning exploring the possibility of bringing back some of the rally's most celebrated stages, including El Cóndor. Organisers are also considering the creation of a new WRC Arena within the sporting complex surrounding the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba. The proposed venue would incorporate the service park and provide dedicated entertainment facilities and activities for spectators.
Rally Argentina's possible return would also form part of a broader period of expansion for the World Rally Championship. The 2027 calendar is set to welcome three new events in the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy, while the addition of Argentina in 2028 would further strengthen the championship's international presence.
For the FIA and the local organisers, the March 2027 candidate rally will be the decisive opportunity to demonstrate that Argentina is ready to meet the demands of modern WRC competition. If the evaluation proves successful, the championship could once again return to Córdoba after nearly a decade of absence, bringing back one of its most historic and celebrated events.
Photo Credits: Citroen
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