Nu Tad Atceliet! Rally Fans Blamed for Cancelling Canary Islands WRC Speed Event

The Rally Islas Canarias, a round of the 2026 World Rally Championship, saw stage three cancelled due to more than 100 spectator vehicles being illegally parked in a protected area near the SS3 Tejeda – San Mateo 1 route, as confirmed by the FIA.

Reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier had set the fastest time in the opening test of the morning loop prior to the cancellation, going 0.5 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg and moving ahead of overnight leader Takamoto Katsuta by 0.8 seconds overall.

The FIA stated that the Clerk of the Course was forced to cancel the stage to allow for the removal of the vehicles, urging spectators to relocate to officially designated parking zones for the remainder of the event.

crews were instructed to proceed directly to stage four, the final test of the morning loop, bypassing the cancelled 18.62km stage.

Ogier commented on the situation, saying, “It is ok. I expected a very close stage. I had a good feeling with the car. At the moment it looks close with my other team-mates, it will be intense,” reflecting his focus on the ongoing competition despite the disruption.

The cancellation left Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT occupying the top five positions after the first traditional stage, highlighting their strong performance on the asphalt rally.

Officials emphasized that the decision was made solely due to safety and logistical concerns caused by the illegal parking, with no mechanical or weather-related factors contributing to the stage’s cancellation.