Hyundai's WRC Day 2 in the Canary Islands turned into a confidence crisis as Grégoire Munster admitted he hadn't slept and 'nothing works' on the i20 N, Adrien Fourmaux's mind appeared to be elsewhere, and only Dani Sordo carried the marque's hopes.
Sebastien Ogier remains in front at WRC Rally Islas Canarias after a punishing Day 2 of tarmac stages, with Takamoto Katsuta closing in on the eight-time world champion as crews struggled with tyre wear, understeer and the ever-tightening time gaps.
Takamoto Katsuta set the fastest time on the opening super special stage of Rally Islas Canarias, while veteran Dani Sordo made an emotional WRC return on home soil and Antonio Fornells crashed out early.
Spanish rally car builder RMC Motorsport has been announced as the WRC's third committed 2027 constructor, uniquely arriving with direct backing from Spain's FIA member club RFEDA.
Sebastien Ogier edged Takamoto Katsuta by 0.8 seconds on SS2 to lead a Toyota one-to-five at Rally Islas Canarias, then watched SS3 get cancelled after more than 100 spectator cars were discovered parked in a protected area.
Takamoto Katsuta leads the WRC standings into Rally Islas Canarias and has turned to Toyota stablemate Kalle Rovanpera, absent from this round, for private tutorials on the asphalt wizardry that won the Finn the event last year.
Sebastien Ogier returns to the WRC roster for Rally Islas Canarias, with Oliver Solberg and Elfyn Evans chasing tarmac redemption after crashing out in Croatia and Takamoto Katsuta defending a two-rally win streak.
Takamoto Katsuta heads into Rally Islas Canarias as World Rally Championship points leader for the first time in his career, as Toyota switch their attention from Croatia's loose-surface drama to the fast, high-grip asphalt of Gran Canaria on April 23-26.
Hyundai's Thierry Neuville vows to deliver a strong result at Rally Islas Canarias after his devastating final-stage crash in Croatia robbed him of a near-certain victory.
Takamoto Katsuta took his second consecutive WRC victory and the championship lead at Rally Croatia after Thierry Neuville crashed out of a commanding lead on the final stage, handing Hyundai another cruel blow.
Elfyn Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, clinched a remarkable victory at Rally Sweden, marking a dominant performance for Toyota. The triumph elevates Evans to the top of the WRC standings.
As the Safari Rally Kenya approaches, Toyota Gazoo Racing prepares to field five GR Yaris Rally1 cars, featuring Sébastien Ogier to strengthen their bid.
