The Rallye des Îles Canaries 2025 is underway, marking a historic moment as it becomes part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time. Taking place from April 24 to April 27 on the stunning island of Gran Canaria, this fourth round of the WRC season promises to be an exhilarating display of speed and skill on a course that is 100% asphalt. With 18 special stages covering over 300 kilometers, competitors are facing a grueling challenge amidst the island's breathtaking volcanic landscapes and winding roads.
As the rally progresses, all eyes are on Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the current championship leader who has shown remarkable form following victories at the Rallye de Suède and the Rallye du Kenya. Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, is eager to maintain his lead in the standings and capitalize on his momentum.
After the completion of the third special stage (SS3) on April 25, the standings have taken shape, showcasing the fierce competition among the drivers. Leading the charge is Kalle Rovanperä, who, alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen, clocked a time of 35 minutes and 22 seconds to secure the top position. Rovanperä's performance has been nothing short of impressive, proving that he is a serious contender for the title.
In second place, Sébastien Ogier, partnered with Vincent Landais, trails Rovanperä by 17.8 seconds. Ogier, a seasoned veteran of the sport, is known for his tactical approach and experience, making him a formidable opponent as the rally unfolds. Following closely behind in third is Elfyn Evans, who is just 20.2 seconds off the lead, indicating that the competition is heating up.
The rest of the top ten is filled with notable names, including Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria from Hyundai, who sit in fourth place, 34.2 seconds behind the leader. Sami Pajari and Enni Mälkönen are in fifth, while Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston, also from Toyota, hold the sixth spot. Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja from Hyundai are in seventh, with Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe in eighth. Rounding out the top ten are Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka in ninth, followed by Yohan Rossel and Arnaud Dunand in tenth.
As the rally continues, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Fans are eagerly following the live updates, with broadcasts available on LN24 at 09:00 and 16:10, ensuring that no one misses a moment of the action. The competition is fierce, and with each stage, the drivers are pushing their limits to secure a spot on the podium.
With the warm climate and challenging terrain of Gran Canaria, the Rallye des Îles Canaries is not just a test of speed but also of endurance and strategy. Drivers must navigate tight corners and steep inclines while managing their vehicle's performance over the course of the rally.
The rally's debut in the WRC has sparked excitement among fans and competitors alike, as it adds a new dimension to the championship. The unique challenges presented by the island's geography are expected to make this event a memorable one, with drivers eager to etch their names in the history books.
As the competition unfolds, the question remains: who will emerge victorious on the scenic roads of Gran Canaria? With only a few stages left, every second counts, and the tension is palpable. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for live results as the rally progresses, promising an unforgettable weekend of motorsport.
In summary, the Rallye des Îles Canaries 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the WRC calendar, with top drivers battling it out for supremacy. The combination of a challenging course, competitive spirit, and the picturesque backdrop of Gran Canaria guarantees a spectacle that motorsport enthusiasts won't want to miss.
