Rally Islas Canarias looks increasingly likely to become a permanent fixture on the World Rally Championship calendar, with reports suggesting a long-term agreement is close to being finalized.
From ERC Staple to WRC Success Story
After many years as one of the flagship events of the European Rally Championship, Rally Islas Canarias took a major step forward by joining the World Rally Championship for the first time in April 2024. The event marked the WRC’s return to the Canary Islands and brought the world’s best rally drivers onto the region’s fast, technical asphalt roads.
The transition was widely praised by teams and drivers, who highlighted the smooth road surfaces, consistent grip levels, and the unique challenge posed by volcanic terrain and changing weather conditions.
Deal Could Run Until 2031
The rally’s current agreement with the WRC Promoter already guarantees its place on the calendar through the 2026 season, with the event once again scheduled for April. However, according to Automovilismo Canario, negotiations have been ongoing for several months regarding a much longer extension.
The report claims that both parties have reached a preliminary agreement that would secure Rally Islas Canarias’ WRC status until 2031. While no official confirmation has yet been issued, the organisers are reportedly planning a dedicated press conference to formally announce the long-term deal.
Strong Backing From Local Authorities
Bringing the WRC to the Canary Islands required significant financial commitment. The regional government invested several million euros to ensure the event met WRC standards in areas such as logistics, safety, and global promotion.
That investment now appears to be paying off. Beyond the sporting success, the rally has delivered major economic and tourism benefits, showcasing the islands to a worldwide audience and reinforcing their reputation as a premier motorsport destination.
Toyota and Rovanperä Dominate the Debut
On the competitive side, the inaugural WRC edition of Rally Islas Canarias was firmly controlled by Toyota. Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä delivered a masterclass on asphalt, taking a commanding victory and rarely putting a wheel wrong throughout the weekend.
Toyota’s dominance was underlined by a remarkable top-four lockout, demonstrating both the strength of the GR Yaris Rally1 and the team’s preparation for pure asphalt events.
Key Date for the 2026 Season
Next year, Rally Islas Canarias will take place from 23–26 April, maintaining its spring slot in the championship. The 2026 WRC season itself will begin, as tradition dictates, in late January with the iconic Rally Monte Carlo.
If the reported long-term extension is confirmed, Rally Islas Canarias will be firmly established as one of the championship’s key asphalt rounds for the rest of the decade—an impressive achievement for an event that only recently made its WRC debut.
