Of course, the Canary Islands have been part of the European Rally Championship calendar for many years, but this is the first time the event will feature in the WRC. The rally was originally known as Rally El Corte Inglés, but the name was later changed to its current form.
Rally legend Carlos Sainz tops the all-time winners list for the event, having claimed victory five times during his career. The list of past winners also includes many big names such as Didier Auriol, Juho Hänninen, Jesús Puras, Jan Kopecký and Adrien Fourmaux. Of these names, however, only Fourmaux has a chance to celebrate once more in the Canaries, as the Frenchman currently drives for Hyundai.
Among the current drivers, in addition to Fourmaux, Thierry Neuville also has experience from the event. The Belgian competed in the Canary Islands in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, Neuville drove a Peugeot 207 S2000 but retired after crashing out on the penultimate stage. A year later, driving the same car, Neuville finished third. On that occasion, victory went to Hänninen.
But does that give the Belgian a slight edge, given that he has raced in the Canaries before?
“A rally I know? I was last there in 2010 or 2011. I have a good memory, but it’s short-lived. It’s enough for me to learn the roads during the reconnaissance until Sunday. But what happened in 2010 or 2011 is very difficult to remember,” Neuville laughs on Belgian broadcaster RTBF’s website.
“But I’m looking forward to it, the atmosphere will be extremely good with lots of spectators and good roads. It can only be beautiful.”
Neuville has always enjoyed driving on asphalt, but so have many of today’s WRC stars.
“In addition, we like asphalt, but so does Elfyn (Evans). The Toyota is very strong on asphalt, it’s going to be difficult.”
The WRC Rally in the Canary Islands will take place on the archipelago’s main island, Gran Canaria, from 24 to 27 April. The event also has a deal in place to remain on the WRC calendar next year.
