Encarnación, Paraguay – August 28, 2025 – The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) heads into uncharted territory this week with the debut of the ueno Rally del Paraguay (28–31 August). As the city of Encarnaciónprepares to host the 10th round of the season, the rally presents the ultimate level playing field — new, unknown roads where adaptability will decide the outcome.

With only three points separating Toyota team-mates Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä in the drivers’ standings, the stakes could not be higher. Evans leads the championship after finishing runner-up at the Secto Rally Finland, where Rovanperä stormed to victory with a record-breaking performance.

Evans: “Expect a big fight until the end”

The Welshman reclaimed the top spot in Finland but knows the battle is far from over.

“After Rally Finland we’re back in the lead of the drivers’ championship, but the pack is incredibly close, so we can expect a big fight until the end of the season,” said Evans. “It’s always a big challenge to prepare for a new rally, especially when it’s outside of Europe and we’re not able to test there beforehand.”

Rovanperä riding wave of Finland momentum

Rovanperä arrives in Paraguay with renewed confidence after his home triumph in Finland, where he won 15 of 18 stages at record-breaking speeds.

“The result in Finland was amazing for us and for the team, and the points we got were really valuable for the championship,” said the Finn. “Paraguay will be a new rally for everyone and we don’t really know what to expect, so it’s not an easy one to prepare for, but hopefully it can suit us well.”

Toyota vs Hyundai vs M-Sport: The battle lines

Toyota Gazoo Racing has been the dominant force of 2025, winning eight of nine rallies so far. Their formidable five-car line-up includes:

• Elfyn Evans (Championship leader)
• Kalle Rovanperä (2nd, three points behind)
• Sébastien Ogier (3rd, 13 points off the lead)
• Takamoto Katsuta
• Sami Pajari

Hyundai Motorsport remains in hot pursuit, with defending champion Thierry Neuville, 2019 title winner Ott Tänak(also 13 points behind Evans), and Adrien Fourmaux piloting the i20 N Rally1 machines.

M-Sport Ford completes the manufacturer field, running Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean in the Puma Rally1.

Rally Paraguay at a glance

• Dates: 28–31 August 2025
• Location: Encarnación, Paraguay
• Stages: 19 special stages
• Total distance: 333.18 kilometres
• Finish: Sunday afternoon

The addition of Paraguay as the 38th nation to host a WRC rally adds fresh intrigue to a season already brimming with drama. With the top four drivers split by just 13 points, the ueno Rally del Paraguay could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the 2025 WRC title fight.