Katsuta and Johnston lead World Rally Championship into Rally Islas Canarias
Takamoto Katsuta and his Irish co-driver Aaron Johnston head to round five of the World Rally Championship as series leaders. The Toyota Gazoo Racing duo hold the top spot following consecutive victories at Safari Rally Kenya and the Croatia Rally.
The championship now moves to Gran Canaria from April 23–26 for the 50th edition of Rally Islas Canarias. Unlike the broken asphalt found in Croatia, the Spanish stages feature high-grip surfaces made from volcanic lava.
Toyota currently holds the top four places in the drivers’ standings. Elfyn Evans sits second, seven points behind Katsuta, with Oliver Solberg in third. Reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier returns to the line-up this weekend to join Katsuta, Evans, and Solberg in the GR Yaris Rally1 cars.
The event begins Thursday night with a super special stage at the Gran Canaria Stadium in Las Palmas. The itinerary includes mountainous stages across Friday and Saturday, concluding with two final tests on Sunday.
Takamoto Katsuta said:
“I enjoyed Rally Islas Canarias a lot last year and I’m really looking forward to being back. It’s very different to Croatia but it’s very nice to drive. At the same time, there is absolutely no room for error because everybody is driving absolutely on the limit, so a small mistake can cost you a lot, even if it’s only a few tenths or one second. It will be nice to be the first car on the road on Friday, even though it’s less of an advantage there because there is not much cutting and the roads stay quite clean. I will try my best and maybe get some tips from my friend Kalle Rovanperä, who was very fast there last year.”
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 