Heavy rain threatens to turn Rally Paraguay into a lightning‑faced lottery, sharpening its reputation as one of the World Rally Championship’s most unpredictable events.
Weather Predictions
Pre‑event forecasts indicate a dry Friday, but meteorologists warn of a torrential downpour on Saturday and Sunday that could rival “Niagara Falls” in intensity, according to Oliver Solberg of the WRC.
At the service park, driver Sami Pajari highlighted the possibility of “almost a second Safari Rally” if the rain arrives as projected, noting that an unexpected shower could create “extremely difficult” conditions.
Track Conditions and Puncture Risks
The 358.88‑kilometre rally features five brand‑new stages over a distinctive red clay gravel that slicks dramatically when wet and becomes increasingly polished as cars pass.
Dry corners already test grip, but the combination of slick surface and bedrock in exposed sections amplifies puncture danger, making tyre management crucial for all crews.
Driver Reactions
Sébastien Ogier, fresh from a heavy crash in Finland, called the event a “lottery,” boasting that “tomorrow it’s a puncture lottery, and after that it will be very complicated with the conditions.”
Elfyn Evans noted that Paraguay presents more limited run‑off compared to Kenya, with steeper tree‑lined banks and rocks hampering recoveries during off‑road moments.
Adrien Fourmaux, who led the final stages last year before a puncture, expressed confidence that the battle could stay unsettled until the concluding Power Stage, citing the wet track’s “aquaplaning on top of it” effect.
Strategic Preparations
Ford’s M‑Sport team brought snorkels capable of mounting on the Puma Rally1 to counter potential standing water, indicating an anticipation of engine‑water ingestion issues seen for others.
Jon Armstrong, making his Rally Paraguay debut, suggested that a boat‑like set‑up might prove advantageous, citing the extreme slipperiness described as “the slippiest gravel you’ll ever get.”
Potential Late‑Stage Drama
With the race width a gamble on wet stages, teams may need to balance aggressive lines against the risk of respectable yet costly punctures, especially as the final Power Stage could swing standings dramatically.
While the event’s “pageturner” nature promises chaotic finish lines, drivers emphasize that optimism coupled with adaptability allows crews to seize opportunities even under rain‑impacted conditions.
"