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

Quote:

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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 mixed event 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.