With 3,001 km to be conquered, Rally del Paraguay kicked off in spectacular fashion as the WRC circus touched down on Paraguayan soil for the very first time. The red gravel stages around Encarnación looked smooth at first glance – but as the drivers quickly learned, appearances can be deceiving.
Day 1 – Friday: A Rollercoaster of Surprises
The opening day delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, with stage wins scattered across the pack. Sébastien Ogier, Kalle Rovanperä, Adrien Fourmaux, and Ott Tänak all topped stages, showcasing the unpredictability of the new terrain.
But by the end of SS7, it was Kalle Rovanperä who emerged in front, capitalizing on his rivals’ misfortunes.
-Adrien Fourmaux looked sharp early on but suffered a puncture, surrendering the lead to Kalle.
-Thierry Neuville overshot a junction, losing valuable seconds.
-Sami Pajari had to perform a costly wheel change mid-stage.
-Gus Greensmith retired following a heavy accident that badly damaged his rear wheel.
Meanwhile, Ogier was cautious about the harsh demands of the Paraguayan gravel:
“Less surprises with the amount of bumps, still not the nicest one for my old back! Puncture risk is high and tyre wear as well.” – Sébastien Ogier after SS5.
What’s Next?
With Rovanperä leading into Saturday, the battle is far from settled. Tänak, Ogier, and Evans remain in striking distance, while Paraguay’s rugged terrain promises more twists, turns, and heartbreaks before the weekend is over.
Stay tuned to RallyFanatics.com for Day 2 coverage and full analysis.
Rally Fanatics 
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