Paraguayan Rally Driver Fau Zaldívar Aims for Top Spot at Home Race

Paraguayan rally driver Fau Zaldívar is eagerly anticipating the second edition of the Rally del Paraguay, a World Championship event set to take place in Itapúa. Zaldívar, a world-class driver and three-time South American rally champion, aims to improve his performance from last year.

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We are more than ready. We did a good job with the team and ran certain rallies to arrive with the best possible rhythm. We are going to focus on what we know how to do, stage by stage, and try to be at the front on Sunday.

"We are more than ready," Zaldívar stated. "We did a good job with the team and ran certain rallies to arrive with the best possible rhythm. We are going to focus on what we know how to do, stage by stage, and try to be at the front on Sunday." He acknowledges that adapting his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to Paraguayan terrain was a challenge in 2025. "I lacked a bit of experience with the Škoda on Paraguayan soil," he explained. "Afterward, we went to Chile, we found certain things in the car, and this year we basically know what we need."

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I lacked a bit of experience with the Škoda on Paraguayan soil. Afterward, we went to Chile, we found certain things in the car, and this year we basically know what we need.

Despite recent results not meeting expectations, Zaldívar feels he is currently at a peak in terms of speed. "I am at one of the highest moments in terms of speed," he affirmed. His long-term goals include reaching the Rally1 category or becoming a leading figure in Rally2.

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I am at one of the highest moments in terms of speed.

For the approximately 350-kilometer race, Zaldívar stressed the importance of aggressive driving and unwavering focus. "We are going to have to go fast, step on the accelerator and maintain a super high level of concentration. In the end, the right pedal is the one that commands," he said. He also appealed for continued fan support, asking for responsible spectating. "It's incredible how they follow us. I appreciate all the support from last year and this year. We must not forget to follow instructions and place ourselves in safe positions so that we can go faster," Zaldívar added.

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We are going to have to go fast, step on the accelerator and maintain a super high level of concentration. In the end, the right pedal is the one that commands.