Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak, greeted by thousands of fans, crossed the starting ramp ahead of round ten of the 2025 World Rally Championship. Rally del Paraguay began with a spectacular show in the centre of Encarnación, opened by Santiago Peña, the president of the country. The crews presented themselves on the carnival-style sambadrome, where the Polish driver enjoyed the biggest attention of the spectators.
Paraguay, making its debut in the World Rally Championship schedule, marks a great journey into the unknown for all top crews. However, the organisers decided to provide the competitors with excitement not only by preparing challenging, tricky special stages on distinctive red surface, but also by preparing a memorable opening ceremony ahead of the event.
The rally fiesta took place in the centre of Encarnación, on a sambadrome built for the largest parades and carnivals. The event was opened by Paraguayan president Santiago Peña and the hours-long ceremonial welcome for all crews attracted several thousand fans, infected with rally passion for rallying and brimming with enthusiasm.
The ORLEN Rally Team attracted the greatest attention, together with its new member – a small capybara, who arrived in Paraguay with the team. Kajetan, along with his adorable stuffed animal, made huge impression among welcoming residents of the South American country, signing hundreds of autographs and posing for countless photos. There was also a meeting with representatives of the Polish diaspora, living in the Itapúa department, where the rally route is scheduled.
What’s happening in Paraguay is absolutely incredible! The mascot of the world’s largest rodent, brought from Poland, has caused plenty of excitement here. We’re getting more and more symbols of Paraguay as gifts and crowds of fans are accompanying us everywhere. Their passion for rallying is immense and gives us a tremendous amount of satisfaction and joy. I am grateful to be here. I will remember yesterday’s magical start ceremony for a long time. I hope we will have fond memories after the whole rally. Now it is time for few intense days of competition. Maciek, myself and the whole ORLEN Rally Team are ready to fight on the red ground, full of love for rallying
– Kajetan Kajetanowicz, the 2023 WRC2 Challenger champion, commented after the opening ceremony.
Rally del Paraguay starts on Friday afternoon, European time. The first leg consists of eight special stages, with over 140 competitive kilometres. Round ten of the 2025 season will run until Sunday.
Starts of Kajetan Kajetanowicz are supported by the title partner of the ORLEN Rally Team – ORLEN S.A., as well as technical partner Delphi and ORLEN OIL.
