The 44th edition of the Rally Islas Canarias cannot be held, as planned, on May 7, 8 and 9. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic that is spreading throughout Europe and that has been affecting Spain in a special way in recent weeks has forced national and community authorities to take extreme measures that will last over time. In full countdown for its celebration, the Organizing Committee of the Rally Islas Canarias has had no option but to request a change of date due to the possibility that the test could not be carried out. 

Being the most international of the rallies to be held in 2020 in Spain, the Canary rally requires, like the rest of the events of the FIA ​​European Rally Championship, that this crisis be stopped. For this reason, Eurosport Events, promoter of the continental championship, and the FIA, in tune with the RFEDA, have wanted the 44th edition of the Rally Islas Canarias to take place on December 3, 4 and 5. With this, the Rally Islas Canarias will decide the ERC both in its absolute classification as well as in its two Junior categories. In addition, as the venue for the last event, Gran Canaria will host the final awards ceremony. The event organized by the Club Deportivo Todosport maintains its score for the Spanish Rally Championship (CERA) and the Spanish Superchampionship (S-CER). 

“Needless to say, this situation was not in our plans, but during this time we have had the full support and understanding of Eurosport Events, the FIA ​​and RFEdA. Keeping the date would have led us, quite possibly, to a hasty cancellation with uncertain consequences. This new location on the calendar allows us to work with all the enthusiasm and with the extra honor of being the rally that puts the end of the ERC 2020, also hosting the final award ceremony. December will allow us to show off more about our Archipelago, our landscapes and our climate”, said Germán Morales. 

Jean-Baptiste Ley, the ERC Co-ordinator, said: “Clearly, postponing and rescheduling events brings upheaval and is not the work of a moment. By monitoring the situation on a continuous basis with all organisations who make Rally Islas Canarias possible, we have been able to secure an alternative date and maintain the planned eight-event calendar. We thank everyone involved for helping us to achieve this, including the promoters of other ERC events affected by the change of dates. 

The Club Deportivo Todosport will not alter the route already established and that it will include the stages of ‘Valsequillo’ (11,91 km), ‘San Mateo-DISA’ (12,01 km), ‘Artenara’ (12,21 km) and ‘Tejeda’ (12,95 km) and the city super special of ‘Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’ (1,53 km) on the first leg and, during the second one, ‘Valleseco-DISA’ (14,17 km), ‘Gáldar’ (12,4 km), ‘Moya’ (12,7 km) and ‘Arucas’ (11,85 km).