The World Rally Championship heads to the sun-soaked volcanic island of Gran Canaria for Round 4: Rally Islas Canarias 2025, marking the season’s first full tarmac event after the punishing Safari Rally Kenya.
Scheduled from April 24–27, this asphalt showdown promises 301km of competitive action across winding, high-grip stages that traverse varying altitudes and microclimates—from sunny coastal stretches to foggy mountain passes.
This year brings a fresh twist, as the event makes its debut on the WRC calendar. All eyes are also on the Hankook tarmac debut, with teams set to reveal new tire strategies as they adapt to the unfamiliar compound and road surface.
Championship Standings Before Rally Islas Canarias:
Elfyn Evans (Toyota) – 88 points
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) – 52 points
Ott Tänak (Hyundai) – 49 points
Toyota Gazoo Racing is going all-in, deploying a five-driver lineup featuring Sébastien Ogier’s return alongside Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta, and young talent Sami Pajari. The team aims to defend its dominance in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.
Hyundai counters with a proven trio: Neuville, Tänak, and Adrien Fourmaux—each of whom has delivered podium finishes this season. The Korean outfit looks determined to close the points gap and break Toyota’s winning momentum.
Meanwhile, M-Sport Ford will field Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean, continuing their spirited charge in the WRC pack. The Ford team has shown resilience and hunger for points, making them dark horses to watch.
With Shakedown set for Thursday, fans and teams alike are bracing for a high-speed thriller in the Canary Islands. Stay tuned to rallyfanatics.com for full coverage, driver insights, and results as the action unfolds.
Rally Fanatics 
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