The WRC returns to Spain with a two-year deal – A championship round will be held on the Canary Islands in the 2025 season
The World Rally Championship (WRC) has announced a two-year agreement with Spain. From the 2025 season, WRC points will be contested on the Canary Islands. This marks the return of a rally with a lot of history to the world stage, as it has been held on the Canary Islands since 1977. The event has been part of the European Rally Championship (ERC) since 2016
The asphalt rally will become part of the WRC calendar in 2025 and 2026, provided the World Motor Sport Council gives the green light. The WRC has already promoted several ERC events, including Rally Lithuania and Rally Poland in 2024.
Spain has not been part of the WRC calendar since 2022, when the event was held in Catalonia, including on the Salou seafront. Event promoter German Morales: “Bringing the Canary Islands Rally back to the WRC calendar is the result of years of work.”
WRC promoter Jona Seibel explains: “Ever since we added the ERC to our championship portfolio, we have had little doubt about the rally management team’s ability to bring this rally back to the WRC calendar next year. The return of Rally Spain to the calendar is great and shows that ERC events can find their way into the WRC.”
The WRC is currently very popular with countries, with the championship receiving many requests from different regions. It is expected that the 2025 season will be extended to 14 events, but it is not clear what place the Canary Islands rally will take. Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Paraguay and Argentina are also said to have expressed interest in the WRC.
Most recently, the WRC described a round in the Middle East in 2025 as very likely. However, those responsible were also in Ireland in February 2024 to take a closer look at the project. The event could be held there between 2025 and 2027. Ireland is currently seeking 15 million euros from the government. The USA would like to be included in the WRC calendar from 2026
