The final chapter in the FIA European Rally Championship was quite a spectacle on the road. Emotion at all levels that would not have been possible without the involvement of institutions, private companies, law enforcement forces, federations, media, officials, teams, staff and, in a special way, the bulk of a fan who knew how to be there the height. Next chapter: the WRC.
The French driver repeats his result from the last edition of the island event and confirms the third triumph of his career in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). Alongside Benjamin Boulloud, he completes a weekend free of errors on the roads of Gran Canaria. Mathieu Franceschi and Andy Malfoy, in second place, climb up to the first position in the continental championship.
The winner of last year’s edition, accompanied by Benjamin Boulloud, maintains his position at the top of the race valid for the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). Behind the wheel of his Citroën C3 Rally2, he keeps his fellow countryman Mathieu Fraceschi at bay. The Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver, with Andy Malfoy on the notes, prioritizes securing points for the continental championship.
The central avenue located in the heart of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will be hosting the final ceremony starting at 06:40 p.m. The winners of the different categories will receive their awards in a venue that gathered thousands of fans on Wednesday night. After the ‘Power Stage’ there will be another podium ceremony at Plaza de San Miguel in Valsequillo.
The fight for the victory in the 48th Rally Islas Canarias brings an intense duel between the French drivers. The one from Citroën C3 Rally2, winner in the last year’s edition, completes Friday’s session at the top of the overall classification, but by a tiny head-start over his fellow countryman, who pilots a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Hayden Paddon and his Hyundai i20 N Rally2 are in third place.
The Rally Islas Canarias is immersed in one of its most important editions. Valid for this year’s FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), the island event faces a promising future, but one that also depends on the behaviour of the fans who attend the special stages. On Saturday’s leg, remember to respect the instructions of the organization and the marshals.
The Asturian driver, accompanied by Borja Rozada, finishes the first section of Friday’s leg with his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 firmly seated at the top of the ranking. The contenders for the Spanish Rally Super-Championship (S-CER) title are closely followed by Mathieu Franceschi and Andy Malfoy, among the favourites for the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) crown.
The New Zealand driver Hayden Paddon and his fellow countryman John Kennard showcased their prowess by commanding their Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in the 'Las Palmas de Gran Canaria' super special stage. The defending champions of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) thus become the early frontrunners of the island event. The Gran Canaria Arena, hosting 8000 spectators, roared with excitement as each vehicle raced through.
French driver Yoann Bonato, accompanied by his fellow countryman Benjamin Boulloud, posted the fastest time in the session held in the municipality of Santa María de Guía. This result will allow him to start Friday's stages from the first position in the starting order. Diego Ruiloba and Ángel Luis Vela finished second, while Miklós Csomós and Attila Nagy secured third place.
The Mesa y López Avenue hosted the starting ceremony for the second race of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). Teams paraded through the ramp located in one of the most iconic spots in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Tomorrow, Thursday, it will be time for the first dose of competition with the 'Qualifying Stage' of 'Santa María de Guía' and the night-time super special.