Hyundai Sets Sights On Greasy Tarmac In Gran Canaria
2025 rally islas canarias 02
Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team rolls into Gran Canaria riding the buzz of consecutive podiums and a renewed appetite for tarmac carnage. The island throws up 18 stages and 301.30km of proper asphalt work for the 50th anniversary running of Rally Islas Canarias, and the team is keen to convert recent form into something shinier than a participation trophy.
The event is a study in contradictions. The roads are beautifully clean and absurdly grippy, yet the weather can turn the whole exercise into a foggy guessing game as you climb into the higher stages. Add a Super Special Stage at the Las Palmas football stadium for a bit of crowd theatre and you have a recipe that rewards precision and punishes the faint of heart.
What The Team Is Thinking
The sporting bosses have been frank: Croatia felt like a near miss, so the mood is pragmatic rather than celebratory. The plan is simple – reset, refocus and squeeze every advantage from preparation. In plain terms, that means flawless pacenotes, relentless testing and no room for silly errors.
Drivers are clear-eyed about the challenge. With roads that behave like a mini-circuit, long flowing corners demand faith in the notes and commitment in the throttle. Rain or fog on the mountain stages can rewrite the formbook in an instant, so adaptability will trump bravado every time.
There is also a homecoming of sorts as a hometown driver climbs back into a Rally1 machine for the island round. Expect extra motivation, a few nostalgic glances and a healthy dose of local knowledge thrown into the setup mix.
The i20 N Rally1 has shown pace and dependable reliability this season. The team reckons that with optimal setup and zero mistakes they can fight for the podium; without those things the rally will chew you up and hand the spoils to someone else who was a touch cleaner.
If you like drama served on smooth tarmac with a side of volcanic scenery, Rally Islas Canarias will not disappoint. For the team, the brief is clear – be precise, be fast and do not give rivals anything to celebrate.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
