[WRC] Rally Islas Canarias 2025

[CeskyOndra]

This might be the most boring rally I've ever seen, from my point of view.. Probably mainly caused by being a Hyundai fan.

[Eli]

This might be the most boring rally I've ever seen, from my point of view.. Probably mainly caused by being a Hyundai fan.

It’s a shame ‘cause it is a really beautiful rally to watch.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In Hyundai’s case, Demaison believes the i20 N Rally1 simply isn’t designed in a way that interacts well with the new tire – and that only fundamental design changes, not setup tweaks, can remedy the issue.

Demaison told DirtFish: “The conditions of this new tire highlights the fundamental issue we have with the car, which is not too difficult to solve, because we have been through this in the past. But we’ll need jokers and homologation to change a few things. We don’t have so many left, we’ll have to be careful.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/new-hankook-compound-reveals-key-weakness-in-hyundais-design/

Sounds like old broken record.

Incredible.

They're lucky theres a big run of gravel rallies ahead and they can work on the relevant tarmac / tyre requirement Jokers during the summer.

[EstWRC]

This might be the most boring rally I've ever seen, from my point of view.. Probably mainly caused by being a Hyundai fan.

it was expected IMO

yeah stunning views, but every stage looks the same

i miss croatia

[deephouse]

They could spice things up for next year if they can include gravel parts in stages, or having mixed surface in all of the rally. Like previous editions of Spanish rally.

[HarriK]

Allen #42 drove straight car front to Armco after 10km in SS 8 (we are in that place). New tarmac is slippery.

[TypeR]

Kalle securing his gap to Ogier.
8.4s faster than Ogier

[linni]

Kalle securing his gap to Ogier.
8.4s faster than Ogier

"I didn`t even push."
Kalle after the stage.

[becher]

They could spice things up for next year if they can include gravel parts in stages, or having mixed surface in all of the rally. Like previous editions of Spanish rally.
Not gonna happen for budget reasons, also I believe it is no longer allowed to have mixed surface events.

[becher]

I wonder what this forum would've written about Mitsubishi, Subaru, Audi and Toyota in the past, let alone Seat or Skoda. Wished for those ************"* village teams to get nuked?


Anyway, are we witnessing the most dominant tarmac performance since peak Loeb?

[flat_right]

This might be the most boring rally I've ever seen, from my point of view.. Probably mainly caused by being a Hyundai fan.

Just came here to say this. We wait a new rally almost a month and then we get this.



it was expected IMO

yeah stunning views, but every stage looks the same

i miss croatia

Was it really? I mean the Sierra Morena rally rather showed that Hyundai was on pace. Does someone how different these rallies are?

[EstWRC]

Just came here to say this. We wait a new rally almost a month and then we get this.




Was it really? I mean the Sierra Morena rally rather showed that Hyundai was on pace. Does someone how different these rallies are?

i meant it was expected the rally is boring

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's not boring due to the rally it's due to the dominance of Kalle and the Toyota's

Hyundai struggling messed it up for all of us but it's also because Kalle found some amazing improvements from Monte.

[EstWRC]

ok i will be clear once again

for me the stages are boring, like i said every stage looks the same, it was the same for me with rally spain and as this is similar then i expected it.

Croatia was much more fun and exciting stage and conditions wise.

nothing to do here with Kalle dominating

[linni]

for me the stages are boring, like i said every stage looks the same, it was the same for me with rally spain and as this is similar then i expected it.

Croatia was much more fun and exciting stage and conditions wise.


Totally agree. Croatia was interesting, kept the pulse up.
This one is like Azerbaidjan F1.

[WRCStan]

ok i will be clear once again

for me the stages are boring, like i said every stage looks the same, it was the same for me with rally spain and as this is similar then i expected it.

Croatia was much more fun and exciting stage and conditions wise.

nothing to do here with Kalle dominating

I can understand your POV. Not seen anything live yet, only the highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0CIkQKd7pU). The cars are making everything look like a walk in the park, a featureless park, with monotone engine sounds. There's no sense of what assaults the senses when your there spectating.

[linni]

There's no sense of what assaults the senses when your there spectating.

Like with sex. It`s always better to be there than to spectate.
Unfortunately the great number of us have to spectate.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I can understand your POV. Not seen anything live yet, only the highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0CIkQKd7pU). The cars are making everything look like a walk in the park, a featureless park, with monotone engine sounds. There's no sense of what assaults the senses when your there spectating.

This is so true. Watch the fan videos for a better experience of what it's really like (as usual).

Also theres been no drama for any Rally1 car like crashes, breakdowns or punctures which is a lot of the 'excitement' on other rallies.

[WRCStan]

Like with sex. It`s always better to be there than to spectate.
Unfortunately the great number of us have to spectate.

Lol OK. :D Maybe you want doggingforums.com

[jonkka]

Not gonna happen for budget reasons, also I believe it is no longer allowed to have mixed surface events.

FIA has re-allowed mixed surface rallies since 2009 and at least I don't recall that those would have been re-banned.

[doubled1978]

When was the last time we saw Tanak 8th on pace? Probably never since his early years.
It’s remarkable really.
You sometimes get this in F1 at places like Barcelona when they used to test a lot, where the cars are maxed out and the drivers can’t make any difference so you get a grid where the guys all line up next to their team mate. Don’t recall seeing it happen in rallying like this. I suppose, there are no variables, no cutting, no road evolution, no rain, so it’s just the cars and then Kalle who has decided to go peak Loeb this weekend!

[EstWRC]

When was the last time we saw Tanak 8th on pace? Probably never since his early years.
It’s remarkable really.

Dmack days in 2016 I think but that was down to the tyre

It’s typical of him to let go and give up when he isn’t fighting for anything and just to cruise.

I still can’t get my head around about his decision to leave Toyota back in the day and join Hyundai. One of the worst decisions in Motorsport history.

Could have been 3 times champ at least. What a waste of talent.

But not everything is bad, there have been signs of the old Tänak this season with the dominating Saturday in Monte and dominating Friday in Kenya until the problems appeared. Before this rally him and Evans were tied with the most stage wins this season But those both were with the old car, so far with the new car the things haven’t clicked at all for him.

[Corcaíoch]

ok i will be clear once again

for me the stages are boring, like i said every stage looks the same, it was the same for me with rally spain and as this is similar then i expected it.

Croatia was much more fun and exciting stage and conditions wise.

nothing to do here with Kalle dominating

Agree with this, it's not just the Toyota dominance and Hyundai failure, I always found Rally Catalunya one of the more boring rounds to watch on tv as well. Although, friends who have spectated there live rated it highly.
The island and views looks amazing and there appears to be excelllent crowds but the vast majority of footage we're shown is bland and does little to give us the sense of speed or atmosphere thats there.

I much prefer Croatia as well but I don't think it should be just one or the other on the calendar, they offer different challenges and there isn't many tarmac rallies on the calendar as it is.

[linni]

Dmack days in 2016 I think but that was down to the tyre

It’s typical of him to let go and give up when he isn’t fighting for anything and just to cruise.



Very wise I think.




I still can’t get my head around about his decision to leave Toyota back in the day and join Hyundai. One of the worst decisions in Motorsport history.

Could have been 3 times champ at least. What a waste of talent.


No one knows exatly. But I once had a dickhead boss. You could do anything to dispart such a thing. So I can imagine.

P.S. By "boss" I do not mean Tommi.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing change by M-Sport to disconnect the front ARB !

[becher]

FIA has re-allowed mixed surface rallies since 2009 and at least I don't recall that those would have been re-banned.
Really? I thought there was talk about it when Catalunya changed to a full tarmac event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak blind testing ! :D

[wwbroe]

Maybe Ogier can take his first besttime on this one;)

[jonkka]

Really? I thought there was talk about it when Catalunya changed to a full tarmac event.

It is entirely possible. I may not catch all rule changes.

[wwbroe]

Maybe Ogier can take his first besttime on this one;)
Or not, Kalle faster on last splits

[Rallyper]

Kalle really learnt how to manage his tyres. That´s the crucial thing in this rally. Maintaining your tyres.

[becher]

It is entirely possible. I may not catch all rule changes.
Hmhm didn't immediately find anything relating to it, so my memory could fault me....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's really a very unusual situation for someone to beat Ogier out of sight on a pure tarmac rally. Quite bizarre.

[becher]

I have a feeling we are watching history being made here.

[jonkka]

Hmhm didn't immediately find anything relating to it, so my memory could fault me....

In fact, Wikipedia says you're right but doesn't quote source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally_Championship#:~:text=Since%202021%20ra llies%20must%20consist%20of%20only%20one%20surface %20type%20except

[jonkka]

I have a feeling we are watching history being made here.

If Rovanpera manages to win all stages, he will match Sebastien Loeb's feat from 2005 Tour de Corse where Loeb won all stages (albeit there were just 12 of). There have been 76 rallies where driver led from start to finish, so that's not so exceptional.

[denkimi]

It's really a very unusual situation for someone to beat Ogier out of sight on a pure tarmac rally. Quite bizarre.
indeed. especially after how monte went for ogier and kalle.

This just makes it even more sad that hyundai fucked up.

[becher]

If Rovanpera manages to win all stages, he will match Sebastien Loeb's feat from 2005 Tour de Corse where Loeb won all stages (albeit there were just 12 of). There have been 76 rallies where driver led from start to finish, so that's not so exceptional.
I think even if he doesn't, it is still a monumental performance. At least superficially it is coming out of nowhere because of the "finns aren't good on tarmac" stereotype and people writing of Rovanperä for having had poor start to the season.

[becher]

It's really a very unusual situation for someone to beat Ogier out of sight on a pure tarmac rally. Quite bizarre.
It is unusual, but there where enough hints to see that Rovanperä could be excellent on tarmac as well. Monte really doesn't seem to be his thing but for the other tarmac events he choose to not really go at it as he had the championship pretty much in his hands by that time of the season.

I think people underestimated him on tarmac.

[Rallyper]

In Monte there are more dimensions in the salad. Summer tarmac events is easier to manage. And Kalle have learnt.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow, how low have M-Sport sunk when the only (WRC1) crash of the rally doesn't even get a mention here.

[Rallyper]

Pajari just touched an armco alongside. Out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Argh Sami hit the barrier.

[satnav]

A bit more than a touch Per , Game over for the day i'd reckon

[Rallyper]

A bit more than a touch Per , Game over for the day i'd reckon

I meant it wasn´t a straight on frontwise. But, yes quite hard, enough to brake the car.

[Eli]

A bit more than a touch Per , Game over for the day i'd reckon

Shame for Pajari, but that’s all part of the learning curve, hopefully better fortune in CER…as for Munster…not as if he was fighting for podium and he got to continue. Bright side, Hyundai drivers get 2 more points each(?)

[Rallyper]

Maybe Sami was going to fast in speed for his current skill?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe Sami was going to fast in speed for his current skill?

He was faster than all but Kalle on the splits.

[satnav]

Yes it's a shame for Sami, but thats rallying never over until it's over, looks like Kalle on for another stage win

[Morte66]

Maybe Sami was going to fast in speed for his current skill?

I thought so. I thought "he might crash at this speed" about 30 seconds before it happened. :(

[EstWRC]

At least he showed speed not like previous events where he was nowhere

[becher]

Did he try to avoid that little rock and it compromised his line?

[WRCStan]

FIA has re-allowed mixed surface rallies since 2009 and at least I don't recall that those would have been re-banned.

10. RALLY CHARACTERISTICS
10.1 RALLY CONFIGURATION
10.1.1 The surfaces of all special stages must remain the same
during a rally. A super special stage may have different road
surfaces. However, for the use of limited sections of asphalt on
gravel stages or vice versa, a waiver request may be sent to the FIA.

This was the change for 2020. Previously to 2019 it was:

13. RALLY CHARACTERISTICS
13.1 RALLY CONFIGURATION
13.1.1 The surfaces of a rally may be mixed but must remain the same between two overnight regroups.
Within a special stage the road surfaces must not be mixed.
However, for the use of limited sections of asphalt on gravel stages, a request for a waiver may be sent to
the FIA.

[Corcaíoch]

Gutted for Pajari, by far his best performance so far and I was impressed by what seemed to be his control and composure up to that, seems to have pushed that bit too much on this stage judging by his splits. Hopefully won't be too much of a blow to his confidence and he won't be back to the very safe approach of the first few rallies.

[jonkka]

This changed for 2020.

This slipped through my radar then. I stand corrected.

[becher]

Ah thanks for checking the regulations!

[EstWRC]

A Hyundai driving Toyota drivers around. Haha

[TypeR]

A Hyundai driving Toyota drivers around. Haha
Only time Hyundai is ahead of Toyota guys this weekend :D

[NoBudgetWRT]

Promotor deciated to give Toyota guy's an experience how slow it actually feels with Hyundai

[Morte66]

Rovanpera didn't win the stage!

[EstWRC]

Cachon livery looks amazing

[satnav]

Sami done a fair bit off damage;

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/90019_492394996_1101720235329500_81123352788435806 95_n.jpg

[Morte66]

Sami done a fair bit off damage;

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/90019_492394996_1101720235329500_81123352788435806 95_n.jpg

I hope that didn't bend the rollcage.

[rallyfiend]

It did something bad.

Not restarting

[focus206]

Shame for Pajari. At least he showed pace on asphalt... ignoring the village Hyundais which weren't difficult to beat this weekend, Sami was 20 seconds behind championship leader Evans.
Hope Kalle will bring it home tomorrow, would be a shame if something ruined his amazing performance, and it would be good for the championship.

[satnav]

Sami's car in the service park after his off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_mC1WACoLo

[Steve Boyd]

In fact, Wikipedia says you're right but doesn't quote source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally_Championship#:~:text=Since%202021%20ra llies%20must%20consist%20of%20only%20one%20surface %20type%20except
Article 10.1.1 of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship Sporting Regulations states:

The surfaces of all special stages must remain the same during a rally. A super special stage may have different road surfaces. However, for the use of limited sections of asphalt on gravel stages or vice versa, a waiver request may be sent to the FIA.

Edit: Spotted the other post on the regulation change after I posted this!

[Steve Boyd]

Amazing change by M-Sport to disconnect the front ARB !It is on tarmac but used to be the thing to do on a Gp1 Avenger or Sunbeam for gravel.
It had to be fitted to the car to comply with the homologation but to reduce understeer on gravel one of the drop links would somehow become disconnected!

[doubled1978]

It is on tarmac but used to be the thing to do on a Gp1 Avenger or Sunbeam for gravel.
It had to be fitted to the car to comply with the homologation but to reduce understeer on gravel one of the drop links would somehow become disconnected!

It just shows how out of balance the MSport chassis really is if they are trying that. Fundamentally, the front and rear of the car are just not working together. We have seen it from the very first tests with the Puma, the rear is very roll stiff and the front is very roll soft, like a 2017 spec Hyundai, that car had the tricky diffs to play with to help compensate though.
These roads with the smooth tarmac and long corners are completely exposing the relative qualities of each of the chassis, and the Toyota is miles ahead, the whole car just works as one.
When I heard Millener on the commentary trying to half blame the drivers for the speed of the car, I knew they were doomed because that’s just deflecting what is blatantly obvious to anyone watching with half a clue.

[Tauri_J]

Watching it live I was really scared that Pajari could do Kubica/Breen. Thank god everything is fine

[dimviii]

#8
Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
Engine change in overnight service

[EstWRC]

#8
Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
Engine change in overnight service

and 1 minute over time, 10 seconds penalty

[Rallyper]

Sami done a fair bit off damage;

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/90019_492394996_1101720235329500_81123352788435806 95_n.jpg

Oh dear. At first it really didn´t seem that hard hit, to me ...

[EstWRC]

Tänak again having same issue as in sweden?

windscreen full of fluids again

[EstWRC]

That team radio at the end of the stages is one of the most amazing inventions in Motorsport broadcasting history….

[stavrosGDB]

Worst SS ever?

[becher]

Ah Evans interview was brilliant to watch. First a genuine answer and then when she asked a generic question he went back into standard memorized answers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It just shows how out of balance the MSport chassis really is if they are trying that. Fundamentally, the front and rear of the car are just not working together. We have seen it from the very first tests with the Puma, the rear is very roll stiff and the front is very roll soft, like a 2017 spec Hyundai, that car had the tricky diffs to play with to help compensate though.
These roads with the smooth tarmac and long corners are completely exposing the relative qualities of each of the chassis, and the Toyota is miles ahead, the whole car just works as one.
When I heard Millener on the commentary trying to half blame the drivers for the speed of the car, I knew they were doomed because that’s just deflecting what is blatantly obvious to anyone watching with half a clue.

That's harsh & unfair on M-Sport. Disconnecting the FARB was only done for this very specific situation at Canarias for the surface & new hard-compound Hankook tyre. M-Sport were trying something radical to get the missing grip. The commentary said they wouldn't be surprised if others did this too. And we know Hyundai tried every possible adjustment to try to fix their car here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville puncture... disaster.

[Eli]

Neuville puncture... disaster.

But hey those hankook tyres are durable no? oh wait…well they have 3 years (including this) to improve.

[jonkka]

That's harsh & unfair on M-Sport.

Harsh, sure. But unfair, how? Currently, M-Sport is just an also-ran, backmarker, shadow of their former glory.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Harsh, sure. But unfair, how? Currently, M-Sport is just an also-ran, backmarker, shadow of their former glory.

We were talking about disconnecting the Front ARB situation. The Puma isn't that bad in general - Loeb and Tanak won events in it and Fourmaux had multiple podiums.

Their overall position this year is clearly down to their drivers and lack of budget compared to the giants of Toyota and Hyundai.

[wwbroe]

Did Josh bin it this morning?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Did Josh bin it this morning?

Yep.

[jonkka]

We were talking about disconnecting the Front ARB situation. The Puma isn't that bad in general - Loeb and Tanak won events in it and Fourmaux had multiple podiums.

Their overall position is clearly down to their drivers and lack of budget compared to the giants of Toyota and Hyundai.

M-Sport's problem is money, money and money. Bashing the car and drivers is pointless because those can be only remedied with money which the team does not have. And doesn't seem to be able to get. Therefore, it's death spiral. No money means no results and no results mean no sponsorship deals. Since this is thread for Canarias event and not M-Sport, I leave my commentary at that.

[Rallyper]

But hey those hankook tyres are durable no? oh wait…well they have 3 years (including this) to improve.

Are you judging Hancock tyres from one puncture, or how many have you counted?

[Eli]

Are you judging Hancock tyres from one puncture, or how many have you counted?

I was merely kidding, it’s only their first year and first time in the WRC so judgement should only be made once the season is over.

[EstWRC]

But hey those hankook tyres are durable no? oh wait…well they have 3 years (including this) to improve.

IMO the tires have been very good so far.

Pirelli was much much worse when they joined.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job Adrien Fourmaux, best of the Hyundai's.

[Eli]

Hyundai’s worst Tarmac weekend since Deutschland 2019(?) can anyone confirm please.

[EstWRC]

Worst performance from Tänak since 2015 Corsica.

Yeah they all suffered but Neuville and Fourmaux showed at least some good split times and stage times from time to time while has was nowhere

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Super solid drive by Elfyn Evans, perfect for the Championship.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No team orders, Ogier takes SS & PS points off Evans.

[Rallyper]

it´s obvious Kalle found something from his adventures out of the rallycircus. Combined with his talent he is unbeatable atm. Let´s see in Portugal now.

[flat_right]

Such a dominant drive from Kalle. When the first Shakedown time came, I thought this has to be a glitch but he backed it up the whole weekend.

And as a Tänak fan life, it is becoming a Ferrari meme. There is always next...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bonkers performance ! Chapeau Kalle !

[Dontcut]

No team orders, Ogier takes SS & PS points off Evans.
Because he is Seb MF Ogier and he doesn't do presents and has never done as a part time drivers.

[AndyRAC]

Because he is Seb MF Ogier and he doesn't do presents and has never done as a part time drivers.

Yeah, not really a team player - but expected others to do the same.......Toyota haven't learnt from last season, when they could have swapped positions numerous times, but chose not to. Absolutely dumb......

[linni]

Worst performance from Tänak since 2015 Corsica.

Yeah they all suffered but Neuville and Fourmaux showed at least some good split times and stage times from time to time while has was nowhere

Why to risk? Worst you can do is crash the car. In the name of gaining few seconds which mean nothing at the end.

[Eli]

At the end of it, I still prefer Tour de Corse but it was refreshing to see a different tarmac rally once again, even if it was closer to the roads of Catalunya, in any case, next year either this or Croatia will have to move to an October slot as I’m assuming the promoter and the FIA won’t have a double header of tarmac in April-May.

[EstWRC]

nice views but that was it. Sunday stages were quite okay, especially power stage

but i hope Croatia will be back instead of this.

[Eli]

nice views but that was it. Sunday stages were quite okay, especially power stage

but i hope Croatia will be back instead of this.

Croatia will be back next year but Canary Islands are signed for a 2 year deal (the idea being back at the time to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary). The tarmac rally that will leave us next year is CER (as that contract expires this year), I highly doubt they’ll keep all 3, only hopes of this being replaced is in 2027.

[focus206]

Dominant performance by Kalle. But Evans did what he was supposed to do. Portugal will be very interesting: last year Evans was struggling a lot when he was in the road opening positions on gravel, and when the pressure was on him. Maybe he'll get lucky again with the weather, but a lot will depend on how fast will Kalle be.
Hopefully Neuville and Tanak will drive a Rally1 car in the gravel events and not a Rally1,5.

[saco0o]

No team orders, Ogier takes SS & PS points off Evans.

ehhh, that was weird. i mean, part time, not winning the round. just swap positions, evans is in contention for real this year. idk... idk... but im also not a fan when hyundai does that haha im confused with my own opinions on that

[Bigalstosh99]

No team orders, Ogier takes SS & PS points off Evans.

I guess team orders in favour of Elfyn would be positive for Evans championship attempt but would also be negative for Rovanpera’s championship challenge. So not fair to apply them at this point when Rovanpera is still in the mix.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What made it worse was Ogier took 2 points off Evans by less than a second on the final stage. But then there's no splits in the car so it wouldn't be so easy to judge.

[focus206]

I guess team orders in favour of Elfyn would be positive for Evans championship attempt but would also be negative for Rovanpera’s championship challenge. So not fair to apply them at this point when Rovanpera is still in the mix.

Plus with Hyundai and Ford being lightyears behind, I doubt Toyota is worrying too much about them.

[doubled1978]

That's harsh & unfair on M-Sport. Disconnecting the FARB was only done for this very specific situation at Canarias for the surface & new hard-compound Hankook tyre. M-Sport were trying something radical to get the missing grip. The commentary said they wouldn't be surprised if others did this too. And we know Hyundai tried every possible adjustment to try to fix their car here.

It may be harsh, but unfair? No.
The chassis balance can be compensated for a lot on gravel and you can hide it on tarmac with lots of cutting and square corners etc, but the Puma has been ruthlessly exposed here. I agree that this is probably the worst case scenario for them, but the car is now in it’s 4th season and the same traits that were evident in the first public test, are still there now.
I want them to be up the front fighting, but MSport have to be honest with themselves before they start blaming the drivers.

[doubled1978]

Kalle was amazing this weekend, I’m not often left speechless by someone, but his speed this weekend was unbelievable, even Ogier was laughing about it in the end.
Evans did all he needed to, not on the pace of Kalle or Seb so just did his job and bagged 3rd with good points. Tougher tests ahead on gravel being first on the road, but he should be worried about Kalle finding that kind of form.
Hyundai clearly have found a bit of downgrade with the upgraded car on tarmac. Fourmaux can be pleased he outran the other 2, even on the power stage when they had a go.
Ford. The best that can be said is that on gravel the car is better and the road position should give them some hope. Being beaten on pace by Rally2 cars, is not acceptable.