The Gran Canaria Island Rally returns with a record number of entries and a revamped route for its 65th edition

 

The 2026 Gran Canaria Island Rally has modified its planned route, with cuts to two stages to be run on Saturday, with the aim of collaborating with the different public administrations, in the environmental care of the areas through which the route of the event passes, which marked the beginning of motorsport in the Canary Islands back in the 50s.

 

The Maspalomas Racing Team proposed these changes and accepted the restrictions imposed by the Island Council's Department of the Environment, with the aim of minimizing the rally's potential impact on the most sensitive natural areas along the route. This option was adopted to ensure the rally could proceed with the approval of the authorities.

 

The long stage of "Fagajesto-Fontanales-Juncalillo-Los Garajes" will continue as planned at 18,44 km, while the Tejeda-Ayacata stage has been shortened by the addition of the finish line, leaving it at 6,60 km. The other affected stage is Cueva Grande-Camaretas, which has been shortened by the addition of the start line, leaving it at 4,13 km. The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria spectator stage in San Lorenzo remains unchanged.

 

At the end of the statement are attached the graphics of the new start and finish of the special stages with changes, now totaling 61,82 km in timed sections, which makes up 21,9% of the total route.

 

 

81 TEAMS ON THE PROVISIONAL LIST OF ENTRIES

 

The oldest rally in the world, the second event counting towards the bp Las Palmas Championship and its various sections, cups and promotional trophies, in addition to its regional character as the second rally counting towards the Canary Islands Historic Regularity Championship - CCRH-R.

 

Registration closed on Wednesday, and with the last-minute withdrawals, the entry list consists of 67 teams in the speed category and 14 in the regularity sport category, totaling 81 vehicles. Among them are several prominent drivers vying for top positions, such as Luis Monzón, winner of the first round of the bp championship in Las Palmas with his new Toyota Yaris GR; Iván Armas, Julián Falcón, Ayoze Benítez, Julio Martínez, Raúl Quesada, Benjamín Avella, Yoday Betancort, Alejandro Martín, Álvaro Santana, Ulises Avella, Antonio Estalella, Jesús Rodríguez, and Antonio Afonso Sr. and Jr., among others, who will also be competing for the final podium and top spots, in addition to the battles in the Rally4 and N4 groups.

 

The next step will be the publication of the official list in order of departure of the registered teams next Tuesday, the day also set for the official presentation, which will be communicated shortly with the place and time of the meeting.

 

The event will once again be based at the Gran Canaria Stadium, which will host the start, finish, scrutineering, and service area. The first day, Friday afternoon/evening, will culminate with the spectacular San Lorenzo stage in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which will officially open the competition in a week's time.

 

On Saturday the rally caravan heads north and to the peaks of the island, with six timed stages to be run twice and an intermediate service in the southern parking lot of the Siete Palmas Stadium, within the island capital, where it will return in search of the final goal from 19:10 p.m.