WRC Rally Islas Canarias 2026

I think and I don't know how this is being glossed over Night time stages should make a return. Sure it's nice to have in Monte-Carlo but do you guys remember back in Catalunya 2013 when we had those? I think every tarmac event (if it's not too complicated logistically) should have night stages and while we're at it, Sweden and any Gravel events such as Finland should also bring night stages back, it will bring some more interest imho.

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Originally Posted by deephouse

The calendar should include one mixed event too. Tarmac/gravel. The last time they tried that with Latvia (but officially it was gravel rally, so it don't count). I think it was Spain that it was categorized with mixed type of surface, where crews needs to convert their cars for completely different type. Also I think it's great having one tarmac which is smooth tarmac and not all of them with changeable conditions, worn out surface and really bad weather. It's a world championship and crews needs to be able to tackle all types of events.

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Didn't we just have a mixed event in Croatia :D

It wasn't catgorized as mixed and surely they didn't convert the whole car for gravel type event as they need to do on Rally Catalunya. So it doesn't count. It should be a challenge which teams and crews should tackle on calendar. And is not "costs" the reason that that kind of event isn't on calendar anymore, even if they said it is. If that would be the case, all would be against expanding the calendar or even going in all continents as I believe that there is where the costs are highest, not just for main three teams but all the rest from lower categories.

David Evans agrees with me https://x.com/dirtfishrally/status/2...C1kV5QC61vX5Xg

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Originally Posted by deephouse

It wasn't catgorized as mixed and surely they didn't convert the whole car for gravel type event as they need to do on Rally Catalunya. So it doesn't count. It should be a challenge which teams and crews should tackle on calendar. And is not "costs" the reason that that kind of event isn't on calendar anymore, even if they said it is. If that would be the case, all would be against expanding the calendar or even going in all continents as I believe that there is where the costs are highest, not just for main three teams but all the rest from lower categories.

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I was joking. I personally didn't like this two surfaced mixed event that we had in the past as I don't see any value in it.

It’s for sure more expensive than running a single-surface event. The spectacle-to-cost ratio isn't just there... Just look at the components involved: the gearbox, differentials, suspension, and braking systems are all surface-specific. With two surfaces, you’re effectively doubling all of that. The same applies to spare parts which again are basically doubled. This all means additional service trucks and people just to transport everything. On top of that, drivers need to bring a gravel crew and how do you handle testing? Do teams prepare for both surfaces separately, or is there some compromise? And most importantly, this format raises the barrier to entry for privateer teams (WRC2/WRC3). Many simply cannot justify maintaining two full sets of top-level racing hardware for a single event and we would lose competitors.

Some may think its dull but dry tarmac is a proper test of speed, skill, bravery and concentration.

And as Solberg showed, it's not easy to do this flat-out driving where there's no margin for error.

If you dont like it, dont watch it and wait for the next rally.

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Originally Posted by flat_right

Didn't we just have a mixed event in Croatia :D

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And how everyone complained as it was a puncture lottery and three top guys were caught out on the excessive gravel.

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Originally Posted by flat_right

I was joking. I personally didn't like this two surfaced mixed event that we had in the past as I don't see any value in it.

It’s for sure more expensive than running a single-surface event. The spectacle-to-cost ratio isn't just there... Just look at the components involved: the gearbox, differentials, suspension, and braking systems are all surface-specific. With two surfaces, you’re effectively doubling all of that. The same applies to spare parts which again are basically doubled. This all means additional service trucks and people just to transport everything. On top of that, drivers need to bring a gravel crew and how do you handle testing? Do teams prepare for both surfaces separately, or is there some compromise? And most importantly, this format raises the barrier to entry for privateer teams (WRC2/WRC3). Many simply cannot justify maintaining two full sets of top-level racing hardware for a single event and we would lose competitors.

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It's a world championship and it should be hard and have different types of challenges facing crews and teams. Funny thing that everyone is pushing for marathon events as it was always part of WRC element (don't know, but marathon element could mean, there is a greater chance of destroying cars more, have more fuel, more tires, everything more) And when it comes to mixed events everyone is no... Too high costs. Nobody will want to come. How it's that more costs for mixed event than marathon one? But Rally RACC Catalunya always attract great numbers of competitors and personally the event was great to watch. Simply love to see pictures from cars one day a beast for tarmac and next day completely different monster. It would be one event, not 5 so the costs could be smaller than having 3-4 additional events. I would rather have 12 events and have all sorts of different scenarios. If the tyre provider can't handle that, don't know why are they even bothering being in WRC, as we see right now with Hankooks (strangely nobody throw shit on them, but failed too much all the time on all surfaces, like they would be somehow payed for being quiet).

I simply miss that element. USA could add that up? Or Italy?

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Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

And how everyone complained as it was a puncture lottery and three top guys were caught out on the excessive gravel.

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Peoples excitement often comes from "their" guys doing well. If they don't, the "excitement" of stuff happening is seen as chaos.

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Originally Posted by Eli

I think and I don't know how this is being glossed over Night time stages should make a return. Sure it's nice to have in Monte-Carlo but do you guys remember back in Catalunya 2013 when we had those? I think every tarmac event (if it's not too complicated logistically) should have night stages and while we're at it, Sweden and any Gravel events such as Finland should also bring night stages back, it will bring some more interest imho.

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Rally Finland is run at summer and summer nights in Finland are subject to phenomena known as the Midnight Sun. Dusk, not dark at all. Come at winter and you won't see sun at all for months.

https://www.visitfinland.com/en/arti...-midnight-sun/