Rally Islas Canarias, a fixture in the European Rally Championship since 2016, will transition to the WRC calendar for 2025 and 2026, pending approval from the World Motor Sport Council.
Originating in 1977, the asphalt rally’s elevation mirrors the recent moves by the WRC to incorporate Tet Rally Latvia and Rally Poland from the ERC into its fold for the current year.
This development marks Spain’s return to the WRC, filling the void left by Rally Catalunya’s absence from the calendar post-2022 edition.
German Morales, CEO of the event promoter Club Deportivo Todo Sport, expressed gratification, stating, “Bringing the Rally Islas Canarias to the WRC has been the reward for many years of work. It was a goal desired by several generations, and now, together with WRC Promoter, it has become within reach.”
Jona Seibel, managing director of WRC Promoter, commended the rally management team’s capabilities, affirming confidence in Rally Islas Canarias’s ability to deliver a successful WRC event.
Seibel underscored the significance of Spain’s reintegration into the WRC calendar and highlighted the strategic pathway aimed at providing ERC events a route to WRC status, following the footsteps of Latvia and Poland in 2024.
The expansion of the WRC to 14 events in the upcoming year is anticipated, with considerations underway regarding the placement of Rally Islas Canarias within the schedule.
Amidst proposals from various nations seeking inclusion in the calendar, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Paraguay, and Argentina are reported contenders for spots in the 2025 lineup, with decisions expected in the ensuing months.
The WRC’s inclination toward a Middle East round for next year’s calendar has been previously disclosed. Ireland is vying to host the WRC from 2025 to 2027, contingent on securing 15 million euros in government funding, with site inspections already underway. The USA has also expressed interest in joining the championship, targeting a potential inclusion in 2026.
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