Canaries hosts battle of the Suzukis in ERC Open

The Swift R4LLY S duo are the sole entrants for the season’s opening all-asphalt encounter. That means no team tactics and the fastest man will win. 

Andorran star Vinyes currently tops the championship standings by nine points from his colleague, although Monarri had the edge of the pair in terms of on-stage pace during day two of the Azores Rallye. 

The team will debut Michelin's asphalt rubber having used Hankook tyres in previous years. Feedback from the pre-event test was positive.

“We had a good test,” said 2005 Rally Islas Canarias winner Vinyes. “This was the first time we have tried the Michelin tyres on Tarmac, and honestly the sensation is very good. 

“It's a very important rally for us and the team, so of course we want to do well and I want to win," he added.

Azores winner Mārtiņš Sesks had planned to campaign his Škoda Fabia Rally2 Kit, however a change of plans means the Latvian star will miss the event. 

• Full coverage from Rally Islas Canarias will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.