IRC Canarias preview : The challenges

Following the Intercontinental Rally Challenge’s action-packed double-header in South America last month, the series returns to European soil from 29 April-1 May with its first visit to the Canary Islands for the fourth round of what is already shaping up to be an exhilarating title battle.

With three different drivers tasting outright success so far this season, the chances of a fourth name being added to the winners’ list looks highly likely, especially given the competitive nature of the entries, with Czech Republic’s Tarmac ace Jan Kopecký, Britain’s Guy Wilks, Portugal’s Bruno Magalhães and Spaniard Alberto Hevia (pictured) among those firmly in contention to record their first victories of 2010.

Although the asphalt event is a mainstay of the Spanish championship, having run for 33 years, it has never featured on the IRC before now. Despite being a late addition to the schedule after Spain’s intended IRC counter, Rally Principe de Asturias, ran into financial difficulties, the event is widely regarded for its strong organisation.

It’s also a tough proposition for the crews with the stages a mixture of undulating roads and narrow and fast sections. Based on the island of Gran Canaria, the archipelago’s third largest island, the most notable feature of the stages, however, is the abrasive surface, which is partly constructed from a volcanic laver. It means grip levels are high and in the event of rain will remain constant, although tyre wear can be at a premium.

With the stages frequently climbing and descending, drivers have to pay close attention to the speed they carry and the line they take for each corner to ensure optimum momentum is maintained at all times. That also puts the onus on a precise car set-up and pacenote preparation.

Unlike the majority of Tarmac rallies in mainland Europe, the nature of the roads on Gran Canaria means corner cutting is far less prevalent. Because less gravel is being dragged onto the stages, road position is less of a factor than on other asphalt events, when running further down the order can prove to be a disadvantage. The likelihood of punctures is also lessened.

Friday morning’s stages are located west of the permanent service park in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital with the late afternoon tests taking place in the south. Saturday’s action uses some of Friday’s stages, albeit run in reverse.

Located approximately 100 kilometres off the Moroccan coast, the Canary Islands enjoy warm, sunny weather. Although cloudy patches are being forecast in the build-up to the rally, rain is not expected