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The 2025 Rally Islas Canarias marked an exciting chapter for the World Rally Championship (WRC), as teams and fans flocked from around the globe for the series' thrilling debut on Gran Canaria’s winding roads. From high drama on the tarmac to a showcase of elite driving talent, the event offered invaluable lessons for drivers, teams, and spectators alike.
Kalle Rovanperä’s performance stood out from start to finish. The young Finnish ace silenced any doubts about his form by dominating the event, securing fastest times from 15 of the event’s 18 special stages. His commanding victory, highlighted in What we learned from Rally Islas Canarias 2025 – DirtFish, marked a return to his best, catapulting him firmly into title contention for the rest of the season.
Notably, even his peers acknowledged the gap: Sébastien Ogier praised him, saying, “One man was just flying and killing everybody.” Rovanperä’s full points haul from Gran Canaria not only boosted his morale but also reignited the championship, as detailed in Rovanperä reigns in Gran Canaria with statement WRC win.
While Toyota celebrated an emphatic 1-2-3-4 finish, Hyundai struggled from the outset. Their drivers faced handling issues, with solutions from previous rallies failing to translate on the unique Spanish surface. A puncture, coupled with strategic missteps, left Hyundai far from the podium. The DirtFish analysis notes that conditions in the Canaries challenged even the most experienced crews, showing how crucial adaptation is in motorsport.
M-Sport also faced a steep learning curve. Their limited test mileage, compared to Toyota’s extensive preparation, put them on the back foot. Despite promising flashes from Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean, both drivers encountered setbacks, with off-road excursions costing the team championship points.
Sami Pajari may have left the rally with a damaged car, but his pace spoke volumes about his raw talent. From setting times faster than seasoned competitors to battling challenging terrain, Pajari’s run was a highlight for fans and teams looking for the next big thing from the driver ranks. The excitement from spectators along the stages was palpable, creating an atmosphere full of energy and anticipation for rallies to come.
The positive buzz from Rally Islas Canarias was not lost on drivers and teams. Spectator enthusiasm and well-organized stages stood out from the start, establishing Gran Canaria as a welcome addition to the WRC calendar. As noted in the official WRC news roundup, teams praised the event for its unique character and passionate fans.
With this successful debut, the WRC looks set to build from the excitement on the Spanish islands. The championship now shifts focus from tarmac to gravel, with Portugal up next. The lessons from the Canaries will surely shape team tactics and driver confidence for the remainder of the season.
Rally Islas Canarias delivered on its promise, offering a blend of drama, strategy, and skill. From Rovanperä’s dominance to the resilience of teams facing adversity, the event was packed with stories that will resonate across the motorsport community. For more in-depth coverage of driver performances and team challenges from this landmark rally, don't miss the DirtFish feature and Motorsports' own race report.
Stay tuned, as the World Rally Championship moves from the vibrant roads of Gran Canaria to fresh challenges in Portugal—where new stories will no doubt emerge from the gravel.