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DUBAI : The president of Paraguay, Santiago Pena, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, opened the FIA American Congress 2025 in Asuncion, a milestone for South American motorsport.

The congress is a flagship event on the FIA calendar, bringing together delegates from 33 countries across the Americas. The FIA is the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide.

Ben Sulayem said: “The American Congress is the embodiment of what the FIA stands for, a globally connected federation, leading the way in motorsport and mobility. We are elevating and innovating across our sectors and bringing together a passionate community to share knowledge and ideas.

“Here in Paraguay, and across the Americas, mobility and motorsport are evolving rapidly. Major infrastructure projects are connecting regions and boosting trade, and this week marks a historic milestone for South American motorsport with the Rally del Paraguay joining the FIA WRC calendar for the very first time.   

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the president of the Republic of Paraguay, Mr. Santiago Pena, for joining us on this special occasion, our hosts the Touring y Automovil Club Paraguayo, and the city of Asuncion for their warm hospitality.”

Pena said: “We are no longer the best hidden treasure of the continent, but a giant that is re-emerging with full force: people proud of their roots, its heroic history and convinced of its inevitable future of greatness.

“Over the next few days, you will be able to experience the legendary hospitality of Paraguay, a country full of caring people.”

Spanning three days and hosted by the Touring y Automovil Club Paraguayo, the congress is focused on key themes including road safety and education, innovation in mobility and automotive technology, and the continued growth of motorsport in the region.

The congress precedes the inaugural FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay, to be attended by Pena and Ben Sulayem, in Itapua from Aug. 28-31.

WASHINGTON: Augusta National announced changes to qualifying methods for the Masters on Tuesday, adding the winners of six worldwide national opens while dropping US PGA Tour fall tournament winners.

The immediate change follows the style of the Royal & Ancient (R&A) British Open qualifying series, which began in 2013, and gives the Masters its own qualifying series to ensure strong global pathways into the Masters from various tours.

Masters invitations will be issued to winners of the Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open and South African Open.

“The Masters Tournament has long recognized the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said.

“We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together. Today’s announcement strengthens our organizations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships.

“We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.”

The PGA Tour’s eight events played after the Tour Championship serve as a final opportunity for players to claim playing rights for the next year, but a tweak in qualifying language will mean winners of those events no longer claim berths in the Masters.

Starting later this year, players can begin to qualify for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale at 15 events in 13 nations. Final details about the series will be unveiled next month.

“We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions,” R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said.

“This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both major championships.”

Next year’s 90th Masters will be contested April 9-12 at Augusta National.