Canaries: Hayden Paddon first leader in the Canaries

After the last tests carried out on site at the start of the week, the competitors carried out the usual reconnaissance before returning to their racing car today. The shakedown and qualifying session were held near Santa Maria de Guia north of Las Palmas.

If Miklos Csomos was the fastest during free practice, it was Yoann Bonato who dominated qualifying, affirming his attraction to the island's roads. Winner in 2023, the Frenchman placed his Citroën C3 ahead of that of Diego Ruiloba who confirms his rise in power for his 2^e year with this car.

Already excellent in Hungary, Mathieu Franceschi took 3^e rank. The Habs ranked as the best representative of the Fabia RS. The former French dirt champion beat that of José Suarez, Andrea Mabellini, Erik Cais and Mikolaj Marczyk. During this exercise, Mads Ostberg (13^e) and Hayden Paddon (17^e) have remained strangely discreet. After returning to their service area, the crews had to wait until the early evening to tackle the first special. Measuring only 1,8 km, it had no real value. Organized for spectators, including a visit to a sports hall, it should above all be negotiated without worry.

Contested in front of a large audience, this time, which completely contrasts with the rest of the weekend, offered an entertaining spectacle with mistakes and nice slips. Reigning champion, Hayden Paddon set the best time ahead of Andrea Mabellini and Mikolaj Marczyk. Mathieu Franceschi took 5^e place and Yoann Bonato the 10^e. This is not hugely significant, as 13 crews were classified in 4''.

The race will really start tomorrow with a day made up of 6 special stages and a little over 94 km timed.

ES1 classification of rally Canary Islands 2024