Yoann Bonato is on top of a thrilling battle for first place on Rally Islas Canarias, completing leg one of the FIA European Rally Championship counter leading by a mere 0.3sec.
Bonato, behind the wheel of a Citroën C3 Rally2 on Michelin tyres, charged in front on this morning’s first stage by demoting overnight leader Hayden Paddon.
Hayden Paddon benefited from people power to top the order on the opening stage of Rally Islas Canarias, round two of the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship.
With 8000 fans filling the Gran Canaria Arena, plus thousands more watching from the outdoor sections of the 1.80km SSS1 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paddon delivered the ultimate display in precision driving to set the benchmark time of 1min 30.5sec aboard his Pirelli-equipped Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
It’s foot to the floor time in the FIA European Rally Championship this week (19 – 21 May) with Poland’s high-speed gravel stages providing the latest challenge for the ERC stars and their cars.
And with the ERC turning 70 this season it’s only fitting that the second oldest rally in the world is part of the 2023 schedule, kicking off a three-event run of flat-out gravel events.
