Strong interest in Rally Islas Canarias

Rally Islas Canarias, which last week was confirmed as a new addition to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge calendar, is set to attract a strong entry when it runs for a 34th time from 29 April-1 May.

In addition to a host of local drivers and those who will travel from the Spanish mainland, Peugeot UK has confirmed it will send a 207 Super 2000 for its defending IRC champions Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle, while Irishmen Daniel Barry and Martin Brady are planning to take part in the same Mitsubishi Lancer they used on Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo in January.

Skoda Motorsport has also confirmed that it will contest the fourth round of the IRC series with regular pilots Jan Kopecky and Juho Hanninen, who heads the IRC drivers’ table by five points.

Kopecky said: "I prefer to drive on asphalt so I am looking forward to doing this rally. I think it can be very good for me."

Several IRC 2WD Cup crews have also expressed an interest in competing on the famous asphalt rally, which is based on the island of Gran Canaria.