Ogiers first win in 2026
Sebastien Ogier won for the first time in 2026, after a third place in Monte Carlo and 11th place in Kenya. Ogier is now sixth overall despite not driving in two of the five rounds. Photo: Christian Flodin / FotoINorr
The Rally Islas Canarias delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 World Rally Championship season so far, where control—not outright aggression—ultimately decided the outcome on the island’s deceptively perfect asphalt.
Victory in the top class went to Sébastien Ogier, who secured his first win of the 2026 campaign after a weekend defined by patience under pressure. Having built a lead early in the rally, Ogier spent much of the final leg managing a narrow advantage over teammate Oliver Solberg, who had mounted a serious challenge and closed to within seconds of the lead.
The decisive moment came late on Sunday. Solberg, pushing hard in pursuit of victory, misjudged a crest and crashed out—an incident that instantly transformed the complexion of the rally and handed Ogier breathing space to the finish.
Behind the winner, the Rally1 field reflected the demanding nature of Gran Canaria’s roads. Consistency proved more valuable than outright pace, with several frontrunners losing time through small errors rather than major drama. The rally’s smooth, high-grip asphalt encouraged commitment, but its relentless sequences of corners punished even the slightest lapse in rhythm. Over the course of 18 stages, it became clear that precision—not risk—was the defining factor.
With Solberg out on SS16, Elfvyn Evans claimed the second spot, and Sami Pajari got on his third podium in a row. In the total standings now, Evans is the first driver over 100 points, with 101, followed by Takamoto Katsuta on 99, who finished fourth on Islas Canarias. Pajaris consistency has proven to give results, and Pajari now holds third place in the overall standings with 72 points. Solberg has had bad luck with all rallies after his win in Monte Carlo, is fourth overall with 68 points. The best non-Toyota driver is Adrien Fourmaux in fifth place, with 59 points, just one point ahead of the fifth Toyota driver, part-time Sebastien Ogier, who has been driving three of the five rounds so far.
While the spotlight remained on the Rally1 battle, the WRC2 category produced its own intense contest. Italian driver Roberto Daprà emerged victorious after a tightly fought event, holding off a competitive field of Rally2 machinery. His performance was built on consistency across the stages rather than dominance, underlining the depth and unpredictability of the class.
Ultimately, Rally Islas Canarias reinforced its growing status within the WRC calendar. It is a rally that looks clean and flowing, almost circuit-like—but one that demands total concentration from start to finish. In 2026, it rewarded discipline, punished overreach, and delivered a result shaped as much by restraint as by speed.
Written by: Christian Flodin