Sesks among ERC stars lining up for Rally Islas Canarias

With just under a week to go until the entry deadline expires, several top names have confirmed they’ll be taking part on the Tarmac-only event, which runs from 6 - 8 May.

Mārtiṇš Sesks is among them with the former Junior ERC champion competing in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for Team MRF Tyres alongside co-driver Renārs Francis.

They finished second in the Junior ERC category on their last appearance in Gran Canaria in 2018 aboard an Opel Adam R2, meaning the Latvian pairing at least have some knowledge of the demanding asphalt roads.

“I feel really young but then I remember it was five years ago that I drove in Canarias and that seems a long time ago,” Sesks said. “That time was with the Opel Adam, a front-wheel drive-car, but I haven’t done much Tarmac since then, but I know the team will help me prepare and get better.”

Mikko Heikkilä is another top name contesting the second round of the year. The Finnish champion was in the victory fight on the season-opening Rally Serras de Fafe, Felgueiras, Boticas, Vieira do Minho e Cabeceiras de Basto last month until a damaged tyre on the final stage dropped him back. Rally Islas Canarias is all-new for The Racing Factory driver, who competes in a previous-generation Fabia.

Rachele Somaschini (above) brings Citroën C3 Rally2 power to Gran Canaria, with the Italian using her ERC campaign to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and funding for the condition she suffers from through her #Racingforabreath (#Correreperunrespiro in Italian) initiative.

Martin László can count on experience gained from two previous Rally Islas Canarias starts as he hits back from his Rally Serras de Fafe, Felgueiras, Boticas, Vieira do Minho e Cabeceiras de Basto crash. Having competed in a Peugeot 208 Rally4 and Renault Clio Rally4 in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the Hungarian will be armed with a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo for his return.

Italian federation-backed Roberto Daprà (above) will aim to defend his ERC4 championship lead on his second Gran Canaria outing, while compatriot Alessandro Grillo is preparing for his event debut.

Entries for Rally Islas Canarias close on 18 April and are due to be published on 25 April.