FIA Press Releases
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Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Celebrate the Start of a New Era of Rallying in Encarnación
FIA newsThe President of Paraguay, H.E. Santiago Peña, joined FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem and hundreds of thousands of passionate fans at FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay this weekend, celebrating the rapid growth of motorsport in the country and an exciting new chapter for rallying worldwide.
The two Presidents met during the rally weekend to discuss the continued development of motorsport in Paraguay and across the Americas, from creating opportunities for young people at grassroots level to bringing more world-class competition to the region.
Together, 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 Encarnación. The moment held particular significance for President Ben Sulayem, a 14-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion, who competed in an Audi Quattro during his own rallying career at the 1987 Qatar Rally.
They also met local karters during their visit, seeing first-hand the enthusiasm for motorsport among the next generation and highlighting the importance of creating accessible pathways into competition.
Rally del Paraguay continues to strengthen its place on the international motorsport stage, with 300,000 fans experiencing the excitement of this round of the FIA World Rally Championship on the country’s distinctive red gravel roads – a huge 42.8% 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 WRC Promoter GmbH in the ‘deal of the century’, bringing record new investment into rallying and putting fans at the heart of the sport’s next chapter. The partnership will focus on growing the Championships’ global audiences, strengthening storytelling and content, and bringing fans closer to the action.
Central to the agreement is a new FIA Growth Fund, designed to support the development of rallying worldwide, from the highest levels of international competition through to entry-level grassroots participation.
President Peña has been a strong supporter of bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to Paraguay and developing the country’s wider motorsport ambitions. Paraguay also hosted the 2025 FIA American Congress in Asunción, uniting FIA Member Clubs from across the Americas to collaborate on the future of motorsport and mobility.
Speaking during the event, H.E. President Santiago Peña said:“President Ben Sulayem’s presence at the Rally del Paraguay for a second consecutive year is a powerful recognition of Paraguay’s growing role on the world motorsport stage. It reflects the FIA’s confidence in Paraguay as a reliable partner for the future, and in the passion of our people for motorsport – particularly rally.
“The Rally del Paraguay has already been recognized as the Best Rally in the World, and we are determined to uphold that distinction. Its challenging roads, exceptional landscapes and passionate fans make it a truly unmissable event on the WRC calendar.”
FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:“The passion for motorsport in Paraguay is incredible. President Peña shares that passion and understands the opportunities our sport can create for young people, communities and the country.
“It was particularly special to watch the Audi Quattro take to the stage here. It is a car that means a great deal to me from my own rallying career, and seeing it on these roads, surrounded by so many passionate fans, was a fantastic moment.
“But the future of our sport is just as important as its history. Meeting the young drivers here and seeing their enthusiasm shows why we must continue creating opportunities and increasing accessibility.
“Our landmark new promoter agreement for the Championship will help us do exactly that. We are bringing significant new investment into rallying, putting fans at the centre of its future and, through the new FIA Growth Fund, supporting the sport at all levels.
“My thanks to my dear friend President Santiago Peña for his continued support, and to Dr. Hugo Mersan, President of the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo, and his team for their commitment to growing motorsport and bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to the people of Paraguay.”
FIA Member Club the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo (TACPy), led by President Dr. Hugo Mersan, has played a central role in establishing Rally del Paraguay and growing motorsport participation across the country. Working closely with the FIA and national authorities, TACPy continues to strengthen Paraguay’s position within the international motorsport community and ensure the momentum generated by this rally translates into sustainable growth for the sport across the country.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
- Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com
- Joe Kidd, Presidential Communications Officer: jkidd@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
MembersWRC
FIA1FIAWRCMembers00Sunday, August 30, 2026 - 4:08pmSunday, August 30, 2026 - 4:08pm -
FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Meets President of Chile H.E José Antoino Kast, Strengthening Cooperation Across Mobility and Motorsport
FIA newsH.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, met today with the President of the Republic of Chile, H.E. José Antonio Kast in Santiago, reinforcing the strong relationship between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Chilean Government.
During the visit, they discussed their shared priorities across mobility and motorsport, including improving road safety, supporting sustainable transport, and creating further opportunities for the development of motorsport in Chile. This meeting comes at a key moment for South America as the continent is about to play host to the FIA World Rally Championship in Paraguay, and the FIA’s American Congress, bringing together FIA Member Clubs from across the region to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
As part of the discussions on mobility, President Ben Sulayem outlined the FIA’s work to improve road safety outcomes through data-driven initiatives including the FIA Road Safety Index (RSI) and FIA Driver Safety Index (DSI). The programmes provide governments, organisations and road users with practical tools to measure, benchmark and improve road safety performance, supporting the ambition of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.
The FIA President also highlighted the work of the Automóvil Club de Chile (ACCHI), which plays an important role in promoting safer and more sustainable mobility across the country. The Club, led by President Alejandro Quintana who was also in attendance, recently became one of nine new FIA Member Clubs to adopt the FIA DSI, using technology and data to help organisations better understand and manage driver risk. Through the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme and the FIA Safe Mobility For All and For Life international programme, ACCHI has also been deploying internationally recognised tools to assess road infrastructure around schools and help create safer journeys for children and is developing a dedicated digital platform to promote awareness on key mobility issues and connect directly with the Chilean public.
Discussions also covered the continued development of motorsport in Chile and the role of the Federación Chilena de Automovilismo Deportivo (FADECH), the FIA’s sporting Member in the country, with President Mauricio Melo Avaria also joining this key meeting. President Ben Sulayem reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to supporting its Members as they develop grassroots competition, strengthen pathways for young talent and create opportunities for officials and volunteers, continuing to build on Chile’s proud motorsport tradition.
The constructive meeting culminated in President Kast and the Republic of Chile signing the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) charter. Founded in 2023 by President Ben Sulayem, the coalition is leading the fight to tackle online abuse in sport, uniting governments, sporting federations and technology companies with the goal of protecting the sporting community and ensuring it is a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for all. Chile joins 13 other world governments as a coalition member.
Speaking following the meeting, FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "Chile plays an important role within the FIA community, with a proud motorsport heritage and a clear ambition for the future of automotive mobility. From hosting the FIA World Rally Championship to major investment in the country’s road network and connectivity, there is a strong commitment to the championing of these vital areas.
“I was pleased to meet with President Kast and discuss our shared priorities for the future, in particular the significant potential for motorsport in Chile, both as a platform to advance safety, and innovation and as a driver of economic growth and tourism, alongside our shared ambition to deliver safer, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all. I also welcome Chile’s decision to become the newest member of the United Against Online Abuse coalition, strengthening our shared commitment to a safer and more inclusive environment across sport.
“My thanks to President Kast and the Government of the Republic of Chile for the warm welcome and constructive discussions – I look forward to our work together."
The visit forms part of the FIA President’s ongoing programme of engagement with governments, Member Clubs and stakeholders worldwide, supporting the FIA’s mission to advance safe, sustainable and accessible mobility while ensuring the continued growth and development of motorsport.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
- Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com
- Joe Kidd, Presidential Communications Officer: jkidd@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
About the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition:
Founded in 2023 by H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition is an award-winning global initiative dedicated to combatting online abuse in sport through research, policy advocacy, and collaborative action. UAOA is endorsed by more than 75 governments, sports, academic institutions and technology organisations, and is supported by the FIA Foundation and co-funded by the European Union.
MembersFIA
FIA1FIAFIAMembers00Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 10:29pmThursday, August 27, 2026 - 10:29pm -
FIA announces ADUO results following first and second review periods of 2026
Sport newsAdditional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) is a mechanism within the 2026 Formula 1 Technical Regulations (Article C4) allowing Power Unit manufacturers whose Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance falls at least 2% below the best-performing ICE across defined review periods to introduce additional homologated upgrades to their Power Unit during the current and following season, but also to benefit from additional Cost Cap and dyno testing allowances. The level of ADUO is calculated over three periods in each season, with the level of allowance determined by the size of the performance gap to the leading ICE. The first review period was concluded after the Canadian Grand Prix and the second review period concluded after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The FIA can confirm that the results of the first and second ADUO analysis period of 2026 have been communicated to all Power Unit manufacturers.
For the first period:
- Mercedes were determined to be in the 2-4% window, and will thus be allowed one additional homologation in 2026 and an additional one in 2027, together with corresponding cost cap and dyno testing increases.
- Audi, Ferrari and Honda were determined to be above 4%, and will thus be allowed 2 additional homologations in 2026 and 2 in 2027, together with corresponding cost cap and dyno testing increases.
For the second period, no additional homologations were granted to any of the Power Unit Manufacturers.
Due to the confidential nature of this information, no further details on Power Unit performance index measurements will be communicated.
Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Director of Single Seater, said: “The FIA has undertaken thorough and exhaustive analysis as part of our ADUO review process. With the release of the findings of period 2, we are confident that, based on the quality of the data, its analysis is incredibly robust, giving us a high level of confidence in our findings. We also have to respect the confidentiality and intellectual property of the teams and their Power Unit Manufacturers in disseminating any details from the findings.
“This is the first year of ADUO so naturally there are areas which we may evolve over time, in discussion with all the PU Manufacturers”
The third ADUO review period of 2026 will cover races 12-18 (Netherlands to Mexico City).
ENDS
Note to editors: More information about ADUO can be found here.
FIA Formula One World ChampionshipF1F1
SEASON 2026SportCircuit1SportFIA Formula One World ChampionshipCircuitF1SEASON 2026F100Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 4:38pmWednesday, August 26, 2026 - 4:38pm -
EDRC: No winners at Hockenheim as curfew prevents finals
FIA newsA track clean-up following a fluid spill in one of the Sportsman classes caused a lengthy delay. With the venue's 18:00 Sunday curfew preventing any further racing action from taking place, the Top Fuel, Top Methanol, Pro Modified and Pro Stock finals were called off.
Prior to the delay, spectators witnessed a day of competitive racing and several significant results. In Top Fuel, reigning FIA European champion Susanne Callin defeated RF Motorsport team-mate Colin Millar, winner of the previous round at Tierp Arena. Both drivers encountered traction issues, but Callin advanced with a 4.23-second pass.
In the other semi-final, number one qualifier Jndia Erbacher progressed after Øyvor Jacobsen red-lighted. Although Erbacher experienced problems and did not reach the finish line, she secured a place in the final alongside Callin.
Top Methanol was set to feature an all-Swedish final between number one qualifier Tony Bryntesson and A-Fuel Team Sweden team-mate Jonny Lagg. Bryntesson advanced after receiving bye runs in both the opening round and semi-final, the latter following engine damage sustained by Isak Lagg. On the opposite side of the ladder, Jonny Lagg defeated Germany's Timo Habermann in a close semi-final, running 5.31 seconds to Habermann's 5.38.
In Pro Modified, championship leader Andres Arnover reached the final after defeating Michel Tooren in the semi-finals. Tooren suffered tyre shake and a broken blower belt, while Arnover also battled traction issues before advancing with a 6.37-second pass. Arnover was due to face Norway's Stian Rusånes, who secured his place in the final after defeating reigning FIA European champion Jere Rantaniemi.
Pro Stock saw the top two qualifiers progress to the final. Thirteen-time FIA European champion Jimmy Ålund defeated Henry Riehl in the opening round before recording a 6.59-second bye run in the semi-finals. Robin Norén advanced with victories over Stefan Ernryd and Michael Malmgren, posting runs of 6.62 and 6.63 seconds respectively.
The FIA European Drag Racing Championship now moves to its fourth and final round, the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in Great Britain from 10–13 September.
European Drag Racing ChampionshipEDRCDrag RacingWEC
SEASON 2026FIACircuit1FIAEuropean Drag Racing ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2026EDRCDrag Racing00Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 2:19pmWednesday, August 26, 2026 - 2:19pm -
WEC: FIA confirms tyre suppliers for 2030–2032
Sport newsFollowing a comprehensive evaluation process conducted jointly with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the FIA's partner in the governance of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council via electronic vote, Michelin and Goodyear have been reappointed as exclusive tyre suppliers for the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes respectively.
The tender process assessed candidates against a range of criteria, including technical expertise, product quality, sporting performance in different conditions, operational and customer service capabilities, sustainability commitments, marketing support and long-term contribution to the continued growth of endurance racing.
The selected suppliers demonstrated a strong ability to meet the championship’s technical and operational requirements while also supporting its technical and sustainability roadmap.
The continuation of Michelin in the Hypercar class and Goodyear in LMGT3 will also provide stability and continuity for competitors and stakeholders.
Both manufacturers have a wealth of FIA WEC experience in their respective classes. Michelin has served as the exclusive tyre supplier to the Hypercar class since its introduction in 2021, while Goodyear has supplied the LMGT3 class since its debut in the championship in 2024.
Earlier this year, Goodyear was confirmed as the winner of the tender to remain the exclusive LMGT3 tyre supplier for the 2027–2029 period.
Since the introduction of the Hypercar regulations in 2021, the FIA WEC’s top class has established itself as endurance racing’s leading technical platform, attracting a wide range of manufacturers, including several iconic brands with a rich endurance racing heritage. Meanwhile, LMGT3 has brought to the championship a diversity of makes and models previously unseen in the GT ranks of the world’s premier endurance racing series.
WECEnduranceWEC
Sport1SportWECWECEndurance00Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:59pmTuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:59pm
