Meeke braced for local threat on Canarias

Kris Meeke says he is wary of the threat likely to be posed by several local drivers on Rally Islas Canarias, round four of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which takes place from 29 April-1 May.

Peugeot UK driver Meeke, the defending IRC champion, will be one of the favourites to win the asphalt-based event. But he is braced for strong competition, particularly from the Spanish Rally Championship regulars.

“I’ve not seen the entry list yet but for sure there will be some very quick Spanish drivers taking part,” said Meeke, 30. “These drivers know the event and the stages like the back of their hands. They’re also fighting for their own championship so they won’t be slowing down and will be in the mix for the overall win.”

Two Spanish drivers set to take the fight to the IRC frontrunners are Sergio Vallejo, the defending Spanish asphalt champion, and Alvaro Muniz, who will both drive M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000s and will be eligible for IRC points.

Entries for the rally, which runs for a 34th time in 2010, close on 19 April.