[ERC] Rally Islas Canarias 2024

[Eli]

Maybe the official coverage didnt make the most of the island and the rally and once again it was other creators who came up with some great footage. Tarmac is a contentious surface for some especially the further North you come from however having visited those stages I can say that in the flesh they are less than boring. I love Ypres but you could hardly say its run in a pretty part of the world. If the WRC wanted spectacular tarmac roads it could have given a round to Ireland however we all know where that went. I think the WRC crews will love it (even maybe Tanak) so will reserve judgement until the circus lands next year.

Speaking of next year, does anyone know when they’re planning to run the event?

[106 sport]

Speaking of next year, does anyone know when they’re planning to run the event?

By the end of April, or early May 2025

[106 sport]

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27821_WR...n-the-calendar

WRC stars excited for Rally Islas Canarias to join the calendar

Leading FIA World Rally Championship drivers believe Rally Islas Canarias joining the calendar from 2025 will be a big hit among the fans and provide a “proper” asphalt challenge from behind the wheel.

Subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council approval, Rally Islas Canarias will host Spain’s WRC counter in 2025 and 2026 following its hugely successful tenure as part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

Adrien Fourmaux, who won Rally Islas Canarias in 2020 (pictured above) and has since claimed two podiums in the WRC for M-Sport Ford, said: “It was a great experience for me, the stages are proper Tarmac stages, really high grip, normally. They are flowing in the mountains and the view of the sea when you are at the top is great. Sometimes it’s a bit narrow, sometimes it’s wide.”

He continued: “I was really enjoying the rally but when I came to the Canaries people told me there is only three days of rain in a year. But when the rally started, it was November, we had four days full rain so I did all the stages under the rain, so it’s still going to be new for me but I’m really pleased it’s in the WRC, it’s a proper Tarmac event.”


Hyundai Motorsport driver Esapekka Lappi has never rallied on Gran Canaria before but he did complete the recce in 2013.

The Finn said: “Actually on the moment when it was announced I was there having a holiday there but I have been there before on holiday but also in work mode. Eleven years ago I did the recce. We’ve been saying Catalunya is the best Tarmac rally in the world but let’s wait and see, I’m pretty sure this will be better than Catalunya. The Tarmac is so smooth, there is no bumps, no cuts, it’s very consistent grip so you can set up the car really low and stiff. It’s a proper racing circuit feeling so it will be amazing. And for Finnish people it’s a holiday destination and it will be a really enjoyable event for them.”

Unlike his Hyundai team-mate Lappi, Thierry Neuville has two Rally Islas Canarias starts under his belt from 2010 and 2011.


“It’s a very nice event, really enjoyable and wide, fast and flowing roads,” Belgian driver Neuville said. “There were a massive amount of spectators when I was there, very passionate. It was my first real event in a Super 2000 car and I finished seven seconds from the lead in third place behind the two official Škodas. It’s an event I really enjoyed and I really look forward to go back.”

Toyota Gazoo Racing's Elfyn Evans said: “I would definitely say it’s a good addition to the calendar. We don’t really have our clean Tarmac rally in the calendar with Catalunya gone so it’s nice to have this event. It will be in a lovely setting and atmosphere.”

Double WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä added: “I’ve seen onboards of the stages from the ERC and it look nice. If we use the same stages I think it can be a really nice rally.”

[106 sport]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5W9a1AWQU

FULL ONBOARD Cachón Power Stage I ERC Rally Islas Canarias 2024