WRC Rally Paraguay 2026: Tons of Tire Damage on Friday

– Sami Pajari (Toyota; 1st) took the lead at the end of a turbulent first day at the Rally Paraguay. On the extremely demanding gravel stages made of red clay, the field of Rally1 vehicles experienced a true battle of endurance, with numerous favorites being set back significantly or forced to retire early due to accidents and tire damage.

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Pajari was the only top driver to avoid tire damage in the afternoon, took full advantage of the competitors’ problems, and goes into Saturday as the leader. (WRC Paraguay results)

The morning already turned into a disaster for several top drivers. Takamoto Katsuta rolled his Toyota on the very first special stage and had to end his day immediately.

Soon after, Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) was also hit: The 2024 world champion suffered a rear-left tire damage, which subsequently led to suspension damage. A repair attempt failed, and Neuville had to retire early.

Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) also had a tough morning. After a tire damage on the opening stage, he hit an embankment on the second special stage, damaging his front-left suspension and barely made it to the finish, hindering Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai; 4th) who was closing in behind him.

The rally ended for Ogier on the third stage. The nine-time world champion sharply criticized the durability of the tires: “Honestly, I am a bit lost for words. This definitely does not meet the standard of a world championship. It’s just a lottery every time and far from acceptable.”

Paddon temporary leader

Oliver Solberg (Toyota; 8th), who initially showed strong performance, secured the best times on the first two stages but lost more than four minutes on the third special stage due to an engine failure, a trip into a ditch, and a subsequent tire damage.

Hayden Paddon (Hyundai; 2nd) benefited from the turmoil: The New Zealander was the only Rally1 driver to avoid major incidents during the morning, won the third stage, and took a surprising lead into the midday service.

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“I never expected to lead the rally, but obviously many circumstances played into our hands,” Paddon said, surprised.

The wave of tire damage continued seamlessly in the afternoon loop. Paddon lost the lead briefly on the sixth special stage after a delamination to Elfyn Evans (Toyota; 3rd).

But Evans could not enjoy the lead for long: On the 33.88-kilometer seventh stage, his right rear tire completely disintegrated, forcing him to limp to the finish on the bare rim and lose a lot of time.

Pajari took advantage of the opportunity, set the best time on the seventh stage, and took over the overall lead. Fourmaux secured a total of four stage wins on Friday but was also set back by a double tire damage in the afternoon. Josh McErlean (M-Sport-Ford; 5th) lost his promising second place due to a tire change during a running special stage.

Concerns about even tougher days ahead

At the stage finish, Pajari expressed relief about the interim lead but remained cautious: “After all the crazy things, we are doing quite well in the standings, but it’s only Friday. I think the coming days will be the most demanding,” emphasized the Finn.

Paddon also looks at the rest of the weekend with respect: “The scary thing is that this was probably the easiest day of the rally.”

Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday during the nine upcoming special stages covering over 137.34 kilometers, which could turn the course into a slippery track.

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