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For 2019 season, Chile joined WRC as third South American country to host a WRC event. Neighbouring Argentina had been venue for a classic WRC event since 1980 and Brazil hosted WRC rally twice in 1980s. It is a small mystery why FIA chose Chile, especially as it was first time WRC calendar was expanded to 14 events after having been shrunk in the wake of Great Recession for 2009 season.
Compared to neighbouring Rally Argentina, Chilean venue is located next to ocean shore and consequently at much lower altitude. Roads are mostly hard-based logging roads amidst forest and quite fast with nature that drivers enjoy. Held during late autumn of the southern hemisphere, rain and mist are common. Combine that with low sun and sometimes visibility can be a problem. All in all, rally has strong resemblance to the more familiar Rally GB.
Entrant turnout for inaugural 2019 event was quite high at 63 crews. Compared to Argentina and Mexico, which draw less than half of this, number of entries was respectable but most competitors were locals with low-performance cars and I expect that enthusiasm will decline in coming years.
First edition of the rally in 2019 ran without major hitch and was well received. The only organisational problem occurred on second stage when Thierry Neuville was mistakenly allowed to start the stage before it was cleared by the FIA safety inspector.
Rally was cancelled twice, in 2020 due to political unrest and in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Event finally make comeback in 2023, with almost completely new route.
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| 2019:
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Tanak, Ott
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Toyota Yaris WRC
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93.36 km/h
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| 2023:
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Tanak, Ott
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Ford Puma Rally1
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103.19 km/h
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| 2024:
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Rovanpera, Kalle
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Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
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102.83 km/h
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Stages don't reach as high altitudes as those in Mexico or Argentina, but humid coastal air can result early morning mist among the hills and present additional challenge.
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At first glance, rally looks very much like Rally GB. Especially when there is early morning fog and rain. In addition, many of the stages are held on logging roads so familiar sight of log piles next to the road add to the confusion.
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Roads are relatively wide and fast, making event enjoyable to the drivers except when grip levels are low. Base is hard and abrasive, making tyre wear a problem in places.
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Driver wins
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Tanak, Ott (2)
Rovanpera, Kalle (1)
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Manufacturer wins
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Toyota (2)
Ford (1)
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