Earlier this month it was announced the Rally Islas Canarias will join the WRC in 2025 and 2026.
A New Event In A Familiar Place
The Rally Islas Canarias may be new to the WRC, however the country in which the event takes place is no stranger to the championship. As Spain has a rich history in the WRC. Spain has previously hosted a World Rally Championship round on multiple occasions. Rally De Catalunya has previously been Spain’s entry into the championship. With the event being a part of the championship 30 times in the WRC’s 50-some-year history. Spain was last featured as an event in 2022. Sebastien Ogier took home the win at the event.
Rally Islas Canarias History
The Rally Islas Canarias was first run in 1977 as a full tarmac event. Medardo Pérez took home the win in the first two runnings of the event. Names such as Gilles Panizzi, Didier Auriol, Piero Liatti, Adrien Fourmaux and Carlos Sainz have taken home the win at the event. The most recent winner is Yoann Bonato in 2023. The event has been a staple on the European Championship calendar since 2013 when it rejoined the calendar after a stint in the International Rally Challenge.
What To Expect From The Event?
The Rally Islas Canarias will give drivers a somewhat unique tarmac rally experience. The event will also give drivers some exquisite views throughout the event. However, they can’t get caught up in the scenery for too long as cliffs and various other obstacles line the sides of the stages.
When Could The Rally Islas Canarias Run?
No set date has been announced for the new event. As the event still has to be approved by the FIA for the 2025 WRC calendar. However, the event runs from May 2nd through 4th this year. This puts the event between the times the Croatia Rally and Rally Vodafone De Portugal run this season.
The Croatia Rally doesn’t have a known contract for the 2025 season at this point in time, however, they are in discussions at this time. However, with the addition of Rally Islas Canarias, the Croatia Rally may be without a spot next year and in 2026. As the Rally Islas Canarias is expected to once again run sometime between the middle of April and the second week of May next year. There is also a chance the event could move to the timeframe the Central European Rally runs in. As the CER also doesn’t have a known contract for next season.