Planning for both Rally Sweden and Rally del Paraguay is continuing despite both World Rally Championship events facing financial issues.
Sweden – a founding round of the WRC back in 1973 – is scheduled for February 18-21 as the second round of the championship, with Paraguay hosting the 13th round in a new October date (21-24).
However the organizing team of the winter event is under pressure from the Swedish ASN, with six of the 12 regional associations calling for the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation to sever ties with Rally Sweden.
Despite the event reportedly being in seven-figure debt, CEO Anna Nordkvist is confident the rally will go ahead in three months’ time.
In a statement provided to DirtFish, she said: “Rally Sweden 2027 will of course go ahead as planned, and we hope to be given the opportunity to continue hosting Sweden’s largest annual sporting event beyond our current agreement with the WRC Promoter.
“It is no secret that Rally Sweden faces financial challenges, with revenues below the level needed and high operating costs. Despite attracting large crowds, organizing an outdoor winter event of this scale comes with significant expenses, further affected by the current global situation.
“Our owner, the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, is currently discussing future financing, while our focus remains firmly on delivering a fantastic Rally Sweden in 2027.”
Paraguay's title sponsor has collapsed, with the FIA and WRC Promoter "monitoring developments"
Paraguay’s future, meanwhile, is complicated by the collapse of its primary sponsor Ueno Bank.
Earlier this month the bank was placed under state control due to serious financial problems, creating a political crisis that ultimately led to the removal of president Santiago Peña.
Ueno was set to be Rally del Paraguay’s title partner for another year in 2027.
The FIA told DirtFish planning for the third edition of the event is continuing as planned, despite the financial insecurity.
“Since joining the FIA World Rally Championship calendar in 2025, Paraguay has demonstrated enormous passion for rallying, with incredible enthusiasm and support from fans across the nation,” an FIA spokesperson said.
“The FIA and WRC Promoter are monitoring developments in Paraguay and remain in contact with local organizers. Preparations for next season’s Rally del Paraguay are continuing as planned, with the event scheduled to take place from 21–24 October 2027.”
