Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria Gears Up for Thrilling Rally Events
This weekend, the stunning landscapes of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria will play host to two exhilarating rally events: the 30th Rally de Antigua and the 9th RallySprint Era del Cardón. Both competitions promise a riveting mix of dirt and asphalt racing, setting the stage for intense rivalries and high-octane emotions as the second half of the rally season unfolds in Las Palmas.
A Historic Milestone: The 30th Rally de Antigua
The 30th Rally de Antigua, organized by the Clubs Unidos de Fuerteventura—which includes Tibiabín, Betán, FuerteMotor, and Adael—features an impressive lineup of 21 teams ready to showcase their skills on the rugged terrain. The event is particularly crucial for the provincial title race in dirt rallies, with key competitors vying for supremacy.
Among them, Juan Carlos Quintana stands at the forefront of the championship chase. Partnered with Jonathan Hernández, Quintana has demonstrated dominance throughout the season, amassing victories in both Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Currently, he holds a comfortable 22-point lead over his closest rival, Cristian Calderín, who drives a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both drivers are eager to push their limits, with Calderín aiming to clinch a performance that will keep his title hopes alive.
Rising Aspirations and Competitive Duos
Rafael Pérez and Raúl Galván, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, are also adding to the intrigue of the Rally de Antigua as they hunt for a prestigious spot in the leaderboard. They will face formidable rivals, including the returning Aníbal Hernández paired with Daniel Hernández in another Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. Competitors like Francisco Álamo and Rita Rodríguez (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII), along with Manuel M. Gutiérrez and Agustín Vega (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII), add more layers of competition that promise a high-stakes showdown.
The 9th RallySprint Era del Cardón: Speed Meets Strategy
Simultaneously, the southeast of Gran Canaria is buzzing with anticipation for the 9th RallySprint Era del Cardón. This event will predominantly unfold in the picturesque Villa de Agüimes. With nearly fifty teams participating, all categorized under the Speed section, the excitement is palpable.
Ayoze Benítez and Patricia González, the reigning champions, will be looking to defend their title from the previous two editions. They’re set to start with the number one spot in their Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Rallye 2010, eager to secure another victory on this challenging course.
Returning to the Action: Talented Drivers
A notable return to the competition is Armide Martín, who, after a hiatus from competitive racing, will be back behind the wheel of his Škoda Fabia R5. Teaming up with navigator Pedro Domínguez, Martín aims to reassert himself in the fast-paced world of asphalt rallies, especially after having been crowned the eastern champion in 2023.
Benjamín Avella, alongside his co-driver Briseida Jiménez in an Alpine A110 GT+, is expected to add more excitement to the mix. For Esteban Feo, with navigator Adriá Muñoz, this rally is a crucial opportunity to score his first points of the campaign after an unfortunate abandonment in the last RallySprint.
A New Opportunity for Challengers
Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Agoney and Aythami Díaz, competing in a Honda Civic EF9, eye this event as a pivotal chance to close the gap between themselves and the championship leaders. With their sights firmly set on ascending the ranks in the ongoing championship convened by the Federation of Automobile Sports of Las Palmas (FALP), they are prepared to maximize this weekend’s racing opportunities.
The excitement surrounding both the 30th Rally de Antigua and the 9th RallySprint Era del Cardón illustrates the rich motorsport culture in the Canary Islands. As drivers take to the dirt and asphalt, spectators can anticipate a thrilling mix of strategy, skill, and speed, marking this weekend as one of the highlights of the rally calendar.
