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Sébastien Ogier to Compete in Rally Islas Canarias

Sébastien Ogier is set to participate in the upcoming Rally Islas Canarias next month, marking a significant event as Toyota assembles a five-car lineup for this round of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season.

The accomplished eight-time world champion is following a part-time schedule this year, with the Spanish asphalt rally serving as his second appearance of the season and the event’s inaugural inclusion in the WRC calendar.

Joining Ogier in the lineup are his Toyota teammates: Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanpera, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari, all part of a strong contingent of 10 Rally1 entries for the race.

Despite missing the previous two events in Sweden and Kenya, the 41-year-old driver currently sits fourth in the championship standings. He secured victory in the Monte Carlo rally earlier in January, marking his record-setting tenth win at that event.

This year, Ogier has opted to participate in fewer races compared to the ten he entered last season, especially now that Toyota has four full-time drivers in the competition. His schedule for the remaining WRC rounds has not been publicly outlined.

The Rally Islas Canarias will provide the teams their first chance to utilize Hankook’s asphalt tires under completely dry conditions, an aspect that could influence the competitive dynamics of the event.

Additonally, this rally will be a test ground for the drivers to utilize the new TotalEnergies-fuel, as the French energy company takes over fuel provisions from P1 Racing Fuels, which has recently ceased operations.

To fine-tune their performance ahead of the Canarias rally, both Toyota and Hyundai are participating in this weekend’s opening round of the European Rally Championship at Rally Sierra Morena, which features similar asphalt terrain. WRC leader Elfyn Evans will be driving a GR Yaris, while reigning world champion Thierry Neuville will represent Hyundai.

The Rally Islas Canarias is scheduled to take place from April 24 to 27 and will include 18 stages, with a total competitive distance of 301.30 kilometers, a continuation of its history as a fixture in the ERC series.

Source
www.autosport.com