Sebastien Ogier, the eight-time World Rally Champion, is set to compete in the Rally Islas Canarias later this month (24-27 April), marking his second appearance in the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. Toyota is expanding its presence at the event, fielding five cars in what will be the rally’s inaugural appearance on the WRC calendar.
Ogier, who is currently fourth in the championship standings, will be participating in a limited schedule this year. His selective campaign follows a strong start with a victory at the Monte Carlo Rally in January, which was his 10th win at the iconic event. Despite missing the rounds in Sweden and Kenya, his early season success has kept him competitive in the championship race.
The French driver’s participation in Canarias is part of a smaller seasonal commitment compared to 2024, where he competed in 10 rounds. Toyota has shifted its strategy for 2025, now supporting four full-time drivers, reducing the number of events Ogier will enter. The specifics of his schedule for the remainder of the season are still to be announced.
The Rally Islas Canarias presents the teams with the first opportunity to race on Hankook’s asphalt tyres under completely dry conditions. Additionally, it will be the first event where drivers use the new TotalEnergies-supplied fuel, following the transition from P1 Racing Fuels, which recently entered administration.
In preparation for the WRC event, both Toyota and Hyundai are participating in this weekend’s European Rally Championship opener at Rally Sierra Morena. The rally features similar Spanish asphalt conditions, offering an ideal prelude to the Canarias race. For Toyota, WRC leader Elfyn Evans will be behind the wheel of a GR Yaris, while reigning world champion Thierry Neuville will represent Hyundai.
Scheduled from April 24 to 27, Rally Islas Canarias includes 18 stages, covering a total competitive distance of 301.30 kilometers. The rally has a rich history as a longstanding round of the European Rally Championship before joining the WRC roster this year.
Fans and competitors alike are eagerly anticipating the addition of Rally Islas Canarias to the WRC, expecting challenging stages and competitive racing, especially with stars like Ogier back on the grid.