Canaries: Bonato narrowly ahead of Franceschi, the French dominate in the Canaries

Started last night in front of a large crowd in Las Palmas, the 2^e championship round ERC 2024 continued today. Six special stages and just over 94 timed kilometers were on the program. Raced under blue skies and with temperatures constantly rising, this Friday saw a great battle for the best places.

Winner last year, Yoann Bonato set off with the desire to do the double. Dislodging Hayden Paddon who had won the day before in the streets of Las Palmas, Bonato immediately made his intentions clear. Managing to manage his Michelin tires well, he occasionally gave up his leadership position to Mathieu Franceschi (SS3) then Alejandro Cachon (SS4) before regaining his position at the start of 2^e loop. Author of 2 best times throughout the day, the 2 Alpes driver managed to maintain his leadership, but he absolutely could not relax. “ The battle is intense, it's fun », he concluded. He returned to the service park with only 0”3 ahead of Mathieu Franceschi with the prospect of a nice duel tomorrow.

While the latter has the reputation of being less gifted on tarmac, he proved today that he had made big progress. Installed in first place after SS3, he was unable to keep his position, but he still remained very close to his compatriot. Also using Clermont tires, the Fayence driver will continue to claim his first ERC success tomorrow. If the two French people are separated by a breath, they have managed to make a gap on their opponents. Hayden Paddon who has been consistent is 3^e at 12”1, Diego Ruiloba is 4^e at 17”2 and José Suarez at 21”3.

The second and final stage of this 48^e edition will consist of 6 special stages including the longest section of the rally (27,70km). In total, this will represent 97,22 timed km.

Ranking at the end of the first stage of the Canary Islands rally