WRC 2025. Round 4. Spain.Day 1 Ceremonial Start
#RoadRacing #RoadRace #Motorbike #Motorcycle #Motorcross #Racing #Motorsport #KingOfTheRoads #FullRaceFriday
#WRC #WorldRallyChampionship #WRC2025 #Rally
#RoadRacing #RoadRace #Motorbike #Motorcycle #Motorcross #Racing #Motorsport #KingOfTheRoads #FullRaceFriday
#WRC #WorldRallyChampionship #WRC2025 #Rally
Kategori
📺
TelevisiTranskrip
00:00:00Well, everyone, that was pretty incredible, wasn't it, to see so many fans who are piled in to the ceremonial start, which is about to get underway.
00:00:13We've seen the Meet the Crew session, we've heard from some of the drivers and co-drivers, Rogelio Penate, and we are going to see a pretty amazing ceremonial start.
00:00:25I'm Bex Williams. Alongside me is PK Paul King, ready to talk you through it.
00:00:30How amazing to be at a brand new event on the championship calendar, PK, and to be here on Gran Canaria, which has such a passion for rallying.
00:00:39Look at the amount of people who are out there, not just the locals, but the international fans who have travelled as well.
00:00:46Yeah, great to see you as well, Bex. It's a wonderful atmosphere, as you say, already.
00:00:51I do love these events that are kind of, as well as being a huge sporting event, we're obviously in a bit of a holiday destination.
00:00:58You have obviously your mad rally fans who are coming down, the rally mad fans, I should say, coming down here, but also just a lot of very curious tourists who are like, well, what's going on over here?
00:01:08This is all rather good fun. It's just had a little walk around the old town.
00:01:13Well, you're our history buff, so tell us about where we're at. We're in Santa Ana Square right now.
00:01:17Santa Ana Square, and that is the Santa Ana Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Gran Canaria, right in front of you.
00:01:24That was actually started to build that in 1500. Beautiful square.
00:01:28You've got the town hall opposite the cathedral there.
00:01:31It's the whole area, which is so, so pretty around there.
00:01:36There's the Casa de Colón around the corner where Christopher Columbus famously stops a few times on his voyages to the new world,
00:01:45and that's now a really interesting museum as well.
00:01:48But, yeah, it really is a beautiful part of the world, and you can sort of see what Cheney was saying as well, can't you,
00:01:55about the... It does get very, very reminiscent, isn't it, of Guanajuato over there in Mexico.
00:02:00Now, a man who has, of course, a great history here on the island, Alexey Lukianuk, who is the Zero Car for this weekend.
00:02:11It's great to see him here. Such a character and such a fantastic driver.
00:02:19Yeah, I mean, it's great to see all the nods, isn't it, as well, to the European Rally Championship heritage that we have here.
00:02:26I mean, it's been, what's it, back to 2016, it's been part of the ERC, and actually has a history right back to 1977.
00:02:36So it just goes to show, doesn't it, what Cheney was referring to.
00:02:40Incredible rallying heritage, and they actually have a Canary Islands Championship, don't they, across all of the islands.
00:02:46They certainly do. And for this man in particular, for Louis Monzon,
00:02:49who we heard from at the Meet the Crew session, you know, this is an event which he has done 34 times.
00:02:56Wow.
00:02:57Out of, what, the 48 that it's run. He's been on the top step of the podium here.
00:03:03Shakedown was in his home village this morning, PK.
00:03:07So, you know, for the WRC to finally be on Gran Canaria is such a big thing for the local drivers.
00:03:15It's such a big thing anyway, but especially when you've been competing your whole life in rallying,
00:03:20to see the upper echelon of rally come here is something quite fantastic.
00:03:26Yeah, it's always great to see the locals compete.
00:03:28And, yeah, once again, that WRC2 category, what is it, like 35, 36 crews or something competing?
00:03:35I mean, it just goes from strength to strength, doesn't it?
00:03:38So, yeah, always great to see what the locals can do to test the regulars.
00:03:43I think he's going to throw this into the crowd. It's signed.
00:03:54Which way should I go? Left? Right?
00:03:58Oh, he's taking great care to make sure that that is...
00:04:01Oh, here we go.
00:04:02Has he got a good arm?
00:04:03Perfect. Well, he set the benchmark quite high now.
00:04:09Let's hope some of the other drivers have got some stuff to give away.
00:04:12Co-drivers at the back, drivers on the seats.
00:04:14But that is going to be something I'm sure that will go up on a wall.
00:04:18And we are going to be hearing from our crews.
00:04:20Ian and Dakota are there on site for us to have a chat.
00:04:22It's a dream come true.
00:04:25Co-drivers, you can't have a...
00:04:26Well, he's very, very proud of being here.
00:04:52It's that dream that's come true when he's a young guy.
00:04:56He's in a house.
00:04:58He's got his sponsors.
00:04:59He's got the Citroën C3.
00:05:00And he's ready to start off.
00:05:03Luis, something for you.
00:05:06Más cositas.
00:05:06Luis, ya tenemos el coche sobre la rampa.
00:05:09Buscamos la manera de hacer un gran rally.
00:05:12Hay presión, no hay presión.
00:05:13Is there pressure or no pressure to come on this 40th 9 rally?
00:05:19No, hay mucha presión, pero también hay mucha ilusión.
00:05:21Y la verdad es que queremos conseguir un buen resultado.
00:05:24Y ya veremos el domingo el resultado del trabajo, pero esperemos que sea positivo.
00:05:29Y poderlo disfrutar y celebrar con toda la afición.
00:05:32There's a lot of pressure, but there's a lot of...
00:05:35He wants to really have a good time.
00:05:37He's three times winner of this rally's Las Canarias.
00:05:40He joined WRC in the calendar.
00:05:43Debutaste en 1991.
00:05:45You started in 1991 in WRC, ¿no?
00:05:48Sí, efectivamente, sí.
00:05:50Y la verdad es que lo recuerdo con ilusión.
00:05:53Y también ya han pasado muchos años.
00:05:56A lot of years have gone through.
00:05:57That was his first debut on WRC.
00:06:00Thank you very much.
00:06:00Les deseamos toda la suerte del mundo.
00:06:02Venga, un aplauso muy fuerte para ellos.
00:06:03Claro que sí.
00:06:04A big round of applause if you'd like drivers to get back in your cars and co-drivers.
00:06:09It is fantastic to hear.
00:06:10And, you know, Ian just mentioning there, you know, Lewis has won this event three times
00:06:15previously.
00:06:16The WRC2 category is very strong here this weekend.
00:06:20It's very strong on every single event.
00:06:22But I think you throw in, you know, the Spanish, former Spanish champions, current Spanish champions
00:06:27into the mix, and it is really going to spice things up nicely.
00:06:33We see our first two cars then leave the ramp and head off through the thousands of fans
00:06:40who have piled into this square this evening.
00:06:42They are lining the road, so the cars are queuing behind the ramp, behind, and it is
00:06:47just full of people.
00:06:50Yeah, I've never been here before.
00:06:51One thing I didn't realize quite how busy this island gets.
00:06:54I mean, it's absolutely crazy sometimes.
00:06:57Yeah, I know, it's quite interesting trying to get around the island on Rally Week.
00:07:01But, yeah, this is the Begetta neighborhood that's so, so famous in the history of this
00:07:07island.
00:07:08Behind them, Top Sport WRT, Emil Lindholm and Rita Hamerlin.
00:07:13Great to see Emil Lindholm as well, isn't it?
00:07:15Of course, switching to Top Sport this year, the former champion.
00:07:18He'll be wanting to do something.
00:07:20It's been a frustrating couple of years, hasn't it, for Emil.
00:07:24After that championship win, 2022.
00:07:27And a great array of drivers on the ramp right now, Nikolai Gryzen, who was just
00:07:32fresh off the back of victory in the ERC at Sierra Morena just a couple of weeks ago
00:07:37in preparation for this event.
00:07:39We've got ERC champion from 2002, of course, Efren Jarena.
00:07:44And a WRC2 champion from the same year, Emil Lindholm.
00:07:50Yeah, that was a dominant performance, wasn't it, last weekend for Gryzen.
00:07:55Nikolai was completely on it, wasn't he, PK?
00:07:58It was amazing to watch.
00:07:59And I'm sure that, you know, that confidence, that knowledge is going to really transfer
00:08:03here this weekend also.
00:08:04That will there.
00:08:05Okay.
00:08:06Let's throw it out to our guys down at the ramp.
00:08:08Here we go.
00:08:09Best seat in the house.
00:08:10Efren, we're going to start with you.
00:08:11Obviously, you've never done WRC, but you've claimed to have good speed in the Canaries
00:08:18previously.
00:08:19You've got a lot of experience here from the ERC days.
00:08:22What do you think is possible here this weekend?
00:08:24Yeah, let's see for sure.
00:08:26We will try our best.
00:08:28For sure we have not enough time, enough time to make a kilometres with a car, with the tyres,
00:08:34but we will try to do our best.
00:08:38It's really clear that during last year's skier, we have a really good pace, but this is a completely
00:08:45new rally, especially first day, so let's see.
00:08:50What is the goal of Frenjerena for this rally?
00:08:51Well, obviously, to do it the best possible, to look for a good rhythm, it's already been
00:08:55in the past years.
00:08:56Obviously, these are three days of fighting against the Crono, which are going to be quite
00:09:00complicated.
00:09:01Amir, we're going to move on to you now again.
00:09:04Thank you very much.
00:09:05Obviously, back in WRC 2, last year was really tough.
00:09:09What's the plan for the start of your season?
00:09:12The plan for the start is to enjoy, I mean, again, back in the Skoda and the feeling
00:09:19is, I would say, really comfortable, so surely this rally is nice.
00:09:26My background is a bit in circuit racing, so this is as close as circuit racing gets to
00:09:29rallying.
00:09:30So, yeah, beautiful roads.
00:09:32Thank you very much, Emil.
00:09:33Good luck this weekend.
00:09:34Well, thank you very much, Emil.
00:09:35Good luck this weekend.
00:09:36Thank you very much, Emil.
00:09:37Good luck this weekend.
00:09:38Well, we're going to move on to Nikolai.
00:09:39You've got microphones.
00:09:40That's good.
00:09:41Obviously, you won in ERC rally in Spain a couple of weeks ago.
00:09:56You could have done this rally before.
00:09:58How much will that help you?
00:10:00I think the races in the past when I did the Canaries was a long time ago and it was
00:10:06different than me, so it's changed a lot.
00:10:09So maybe some memories from the past are still there, but to be honest, it's difficult to
00:10:13to remember something from these years.
00:10:16So for me, it's still like new stages, new rally.
00:10:20But I feel quite confident.
00:10:22We did the good preparation.
00:10:24So everything in the plan.
00:10:26We just need to drive fast and that's all.
00:10:28We've asked for the memories that this rally has.
00:10:31Obviously, his father has also participated here.
00:10:33They are vague memories, but there is a new rally that has prepared it very well and
00:10:37has a lot of desire to participate.
00:10:39Thank you very much, drivers, if you would like, and co-drivers, of course.
00:10:42If you'd like to get back in the cars, we can give you a wave off.
00:10:46And they will have a very fond wave off as well from all of the fans who are there.
00:10:51Great to hear from Nikolai, from Emil, and of course, from Efren.
00:10:57Where will we see them come the end of Sunday is the big question.
00:11:01Put you on the spot now, PK.
00:11:03WRC2 looking incredibly competitive out there this weekend.
00:11:06Who do you think is going to come out on top?
00:11:08I mean, I think after that performance last weekend, you can't look a great deal further than that man we just heard from.
00:11:16I've got to say as well, great to see a smile back on the face of Emil Lindheim as well, as he says, back in that Skoda that was so successful for him.
00:11:25But yeah, as you say, great, speaking of European Rally, we've got Mati Franceschi as well, haven't we, in the mix.
00:11:30Great to see the Frenchman step up to that level.
00:11:33Of course, Johan Russell is going to be, I think that could be the battle to watch between Russell and Manny Grierson for top honours this weekend.
00:11:41So, Johan, of course, his younger brother, who did so well as well, Monte Carlo, completing the Russell family, both in the central C3s.
00:11:51Basically, I'm just going to list every name down there.
00:11:54So, give me one name who you think is going to be on the top set for the podium.
00:11:59It's going to be a big battle between Johan and Nikolai, I think.
00:12:02Yeah, that's PK the politician alongside me who cannot actually give me a yes, no answer.
00:12:08Let's switch out then and see who we've got coming up onto the stage right now.
00:12:11We just saw Diego Dominguez, Alejandro Cachon and Oliver Solberg are going to be coming up onto the stage as well.
00:12:19Yeah, the reason I didn't mention Oliver in that mix is he's here, but he's not served scoring points this weekend.
00:12:25That's right.
00:12:26He mentioned this morning at Shakedown, you know, this is a true tarmac event.
00:12:30He does have a huge experience, a huge amount of experience, he feels, on true tarmac.
00:12:35So, he really wanted to use this as he encourages the crowd to cheer as a little bit of training ground.
00:12:43In the seats, co-drivers.
00:12:45Yeah, another couple of drivers, regulars at this level.
00:12:48Viervez and Gjorglina Mar, the two Estonians, also both here, but also, like well, they're not nominating this one.
00:12:54Let's hear from the boys then.
00:12:57Alejandro Cachon, definitely one of my favourites to watch this weekend.
00:13:01I think he's going to, to make a lot of people turn their heads.
00:13:05Let's hear from them though.
00:13:07Diego, Diego.
00:13:10Well, he's almost as old as I am.
00:13:12Diego, hello.
00:13:14Good night, Diego.
00:13:16Obviously, coming up from WRC category, after being in WRC 3 in 2024 Champions, triple campaign this year, switching teams and cars.
00:13:26That's got to be difficult.
00:13:28Well, first of all, hola Canaria, que tal?
00:13:32Bueno, it's been a, it's been a difficult journey last year.
00:13:37We started on a, we started on a difficult, on a difficult start of the season last year.
00:13:46And then it ended up very good for us.
00:13:49And then, yeah, this year just changing cars from, from each rally to the other.
00:13:53And it's, it's difficult, but yeah.
00:13:55It's, we're here to learn, especially on this rally.
00:13:58It's our first time in a rally two-quarter on Tarmac.
00:14:00So yeah, it's all about learning.
00:14:20Thank you very much, Diego.
00:14:21Next, we're going to move on to Alejandro.
00:14:23Alejandro Cachón, he's with us.
00:14:24Alejandro, good afternoon.
00:14:25Welcome.
00:14:26How are you?
00:14:27All good.
00:14:28All good.
00:14:29Very good.
00:14:30Well, Alejandro, it's very challenging to start off on WRC.
00:14:35You're here in the Canary Islands.
00:14:37What are your feelings just before the rally?
00:14:39What feelings do you have in the start of your participation in WRC,
00:14:43and especially here in Canarias?
00:14:45Yeah, the feeling is good.
00:14:47I'm really looking forward for this rally.
00:14:50Last year we did an incredible rally here, so let's see.
00:14:56I think we can do some good times.
00:15:00Well, it seems that he has everything prepared for a good time, obviously.
00:15:03He's very excited to start the WRC season, but also to do it here in Canario Archipelago.
00:15:10So Oliver is ready as well.
00:15:12Oliver, obviously you're not registered for points here.
00:15:14What's the plan coming into the rally?
00:15:16Hola, Gran Canaria.
00:15:18It's everything I know in Spanish.
00:15:22I mean, it's fantastic to be on this beautiful island.
00:15:26You know, the people are so passionate, and you can see all the people here tonight.
00:15:30And even on the pre-event test earlier in the week, we saw so many fans coming out to the stage.
00:15:35You know, so it's just an incredible feeling to start this rally.
00:15:39And, you know, the goal is to get more tarmac experience.
00:15:42You know, it's a very particular rally, and very difficult now for some to make the pace notes and everything.
00:15:48But I think we're prepared well, and it's just try to enjoy, and have some good speed, and just to get better and better on tarmac, really, so.
00:15:56Después del saludo a toda la aficion Canaria, evidentemente también tiene una propuesta interesante en aprender mucho más sobre asfalto con su Toyota.
00:16:04Y lo que tiene claro es que es un rally espectacular, muy bonito, que se lo ha trabajado muy bien y también viene a dar muchísima guerra.
00:16:11So, nearly ready to start off with them?
00:16:13Yes?
00:16:14Yes.
00:16:15Two guys into the car.
00:16:16Get in.
00:16:17Muchas gracias.
00:16:18Muchas gracias.
00:16:19Si, senor.
00:16:20I love the fact that Diego's got the Gran Canaria football shirt on.
00:16:24I was just going to say that.
00:16:25I mean, talk about play to the ground, eh?
00:16:27Well, he's from South America.
00:16:28He knows how to entertain the Spanish crowd.
00:16:32Yeah, we're obviously based at the Gran Canaria, the Las Palmas stadium here in the service park.
00:16:38Yeah, and I didn't realize quite how strong this team are.
00:16:42They beat Atletico Madrid a few weeks back.
00:16:44There are no means to touch in the league, the local team, and wearing the colours as well is always going to get the local fans on side.
00:16:54No, it certainly is.
00:16:55Great campaign, isn't it, for Diego Dominguez on all sorts of fronts this year.
00:16:59He's a busy boy.
00:17:00He really is.
00:17:01And, you know, getting the seat time under your belt is one of the most important things.
00:17:05Getting the experience, and that is what he's doing, and, you know, he is able to do that.
00:17:09There are many drivers who can't do that due to budget restrictions, but he is able to do it, and he's doing it.
00:17:14Yeah.
00:17:15Okay.
00:17:16We head on.
00:17:17We move on within the WRC2 category to the Rossell brothers.
00:17:24A huge performance from them both at Rally Monte Carlo this year.
00:17:30for Johan to take the win, for Leo to take third position overall, to have brothers on the podium was really special.
00:17:40Yeah, Leo, the younger brother, the less heralded, but he is as well as a French tarmac champion, isn't he, from last year.
00:17:47So, very, very talented family, clearly.
00:17:51Yeah, matching Citroen C3s run by PH Sport.
00:17:57And, of course, he's a man, isn't he, that's always up there in the championship fight.
00:18:02Came so close to challenging Pairi and Oliver Solberg all the way down to the wire.
00:18:08Yeah, currently second in the championship, obviously after that win in Monte.
00:18:12Well, looking for the seats.
00:18:14Rossell family here.
00:18:16Yeah, Leo, we're going to start with you.
00:18:19Obviously, what can we expect to see out of you and your co-driver in this rally?
00:18:24For me?
00:18:25For you.
00:18:26No, I'm very happy to be here.
00:18:32Wow, amazing people.
00:18:34And the rally is the same for my championship.
00:18:39The same profile and just profit for that.
00:18:46I love, I love rally for that.
00:18:48And just, I am just a passion for the start.
00:18:53And big fights because a lot of driver, a lot of fast drivers.
00:19:00And just thanks Citroen and my federation for this opportunity.
00:19:06And now the other brother.
00:19:08Johan, second in WRC2 championships, ten points behind the leader.
00:19:12Citroen have won here before.
00:19:13What is working to your advantage for this rally?
00:19:15Just happy to come back in this island.
00:19:16For sure, the plan is try to win again for Citroen here.
00:19:22The car worked very well on the past year and I am just happy about the testing.
00:19:46selamat menikmati
00:20:16Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:20:46Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:16Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:18Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:20Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:22Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:24Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:26Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:28Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:30Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:32Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:34Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:36Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:38Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:40Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:42Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:44Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:46Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:48Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:50Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:52Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:54Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:56Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:21:58Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:00Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:02Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:04Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:06Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:08Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:10Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:12Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:14Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:16Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:18Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:20Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:22Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:24Terima kasih telah menonton!
00:22:26But I must say the organizer did a pretty good job to change most of the stages
00:22:32so we don't have a lot of like track road knowledge.
00:22:35And I know you're not going to give away trade secrets but what kind of setup do you need here
00:22:56And how cool is it to drive these cars on a full tarmac spec?
00:23:01Yeah, I guess you can imagine you need to drive quite stiff cars
00:23:06Because the grip is so high
00:23:08Also a very low ride height
00:23:12As clear as possible to the ground
00:23:15And then for sure driving these cars at such high speed
00:23:19With the grip it's offering
00:23:20It's a bit like the peak of performance the car can have on tarmac
00:23:24So you also need really good pace note
00:23:26To make sure you can use all of the weight of the road and so on
00:23:29But yeah, it's an incredible feeling to be driving such car on such nice roads
00:23:33Está encantado de conducir este tipo de coches en las carreteras canarias
00:23:37Hay que buscar un setup bastante agresivo
00:23:39Los vehículos son bastante duros en cuanto al tema de la suspensión
00:23:42Hay mucho grip
00:23:43Hay que tener una buena cantidad de notas bien cogidas
00:23:47Y sobre todo un buen ritmo para sacar el partido a los Rally 1
00:23:49Thank you very much, Gregoire
00:23:52Good luck for the weekend
00:23:53Now we're going to move on to Joshua
00:23:54Joshua, obviously like your teammate
00:23:56You have been here before as well
00:23:57So you know very well that all seasons come to the Grand Canaria
00:24:02And what will it be out like there
00:24:04Out there on the stages?
00:24:06Yeah, you're going quite high into the mountains
00:24:08You can expect some dampness with the low cloud
00:24:12And going through the cloud even to the peak
00:24:14It can dry again
00:24:15So yeah, the weather seems very localized here from what we learned in 2020
00:24:21So it's going to be interesting
00:24:23Especially I think Stage 2 tomorrow could throw a surprise or two
00:24:27So yeah, we have to be prepared for all conditions
00:24:30Well, he's prepared for all the conditions
00:24:32We've asked for the peculiar conditions that the Rally in the Canaries
00:24:35And are you looking forward to it?
00:24:48Of course
00:24:49I think it's nice to be here
00:24:52Look at the fans
00:24:52Look how many people are out in the city tonight
00:24:55And yeah, I see a lot of Irish flags
00:24:57So all the Irish people shout
00:24:59Thank you very much Joshua Rich
00:25:18We're going to move on to you
00:25:19Obviously this is a new rally to the WRC calendar this year
00:25:22And what have you been doing to prepare for this rally?
00:25:25Look, we had a really good test in Spain
00:25:30To prepare for this is a big challenge
00:25:32Very different to what we've seen so far this year
00:25:35But you can do all the testing in the world
00:25:39It will come down to what happens over the weekend
00:25:40And I think the guys are really looking forward to it
00:25:42I think it's really impressive to be here
00:25:45See so many people here
00:25:47And so many good fans
00:25:49I came here a few years ago for the rally
00:25:50So it's great to be back and see so much support
00:25:53And well done to everybody who organized this
00:25:57Because it's incredible to see
00:25:58Rich nos está comentando evidentemente que el escenario es increíble
00:26:02Que el organizador ha hecho un trabajo espectacular
00:26:05En cuanto a la carrera, la preparación
00:26:06Puede pasar cualquier cosa
00:26:08Y que va a una lucha muy importante
00:26:10Thank you very much
00:26:11Have a good time
00:26:12And welcome again to Gran Canaria, all of you
00:26:14Ladies and gentlemen
00:26:15A big round of applause for the M Sport Ford World Rally Team
00:26:18I think Josh has one surprise
00:26:20A surprise
00:26:22Come on for the locals
00:26:23We are, there's a big surprise coming up
00:26:25Look at this
00:26:25Oh, oh
00:26:26Hey, hey, hey
00:26:28Big surprise
00:26:30Yeah
00:26:31Can you come over here, come over here
00:26:36Come over here
00:26:40And there really are a few Irish fans out there as well
00:26:42You can see one Irish stricolor just to the left there
00:26:45We saw a shot of a few guys on the balcony
00:26:47Having a couple of beers in the warm evening here in Canaries as well
00:26:52That's great to see isn't it
00:26:54Yeah, and as Rich Milner quite rightly says
00:26:56It's such a well organized event here
00:26:59Terima kasih telah menonton
00:27:29Terima kasih telah menonton
00:27:59Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:29Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:31Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:33Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:35Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:37Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:39Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:41Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:43Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:45Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:47Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:49Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:51Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:53Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:55Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:57Terima kasih telah menonton
00:28:59Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:01Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:03Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:05Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:07Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:09Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:11Terima kasih telah menonton
00:29:13Terima menonton
00:29:15Terima menonton
00:29:17Terima menonton
00:29:19Terima menonton
00:29:21He is a former winner.
00:29:22He is, but in very wet conditions, as he's mentioned.
00:29:25But at least he knows what to do when it rains, PK.
00:29:28Absolutely.
00:29:29Not that there's a huge amount in the forecast for this weekend,
00:29:31but we're on an island in the middle of the Atlantic.
00:29:34It changes a lot, the weather here.
00:29:37Well, as long as it's not too hot.
00:29:39My skin's only just recovered from Kenya, Bex.
00:29:41But anyway, less of that.
00:29:43That's your own fault.
00:29:46Yeah, it's an interesting one, isn't it?
00:29:48We saw how evenly matched Hyundai and Toyota have been
00:29:51in recent sealed surface round.
00:29:53They have made these small upgrades,
00:29:55having the incremental upgrades to the i20.
00:29:57So I just spoke to all these guys this morning.
00:29:59I think there's a sort of quiet sense of cautious optimism.
00:30:03But let's see.
00:30:04It is all about getting the best from those tyres.
00:30:08That's going to be the big talking point, I think,
00:30:10during the weekend, isn't it?
00:30:11Certainly during tomorrow morning.
00:30:13Okay, let's cross out to Dakota and Ian.
00:30:15Co-drivers.
00:30:16Can you stand behind your driver?
00:30:19Yeah.
00:30:20So we're going to start with Adrian for more.
00:30:24You can stand behind them.
00:30:25It don't get comfy.
00:30:26You've got to share the car with them the whole weekend as well.
00:30:30What are you doing?
00:30:33Oh, my God.
00:30:34There's always a silly one.
00:30:35Yeah, it's always the same.
00:30:37Adrian, we're going to start with you.
00:30:40Obviously, you're the only current Rally 1 driver
00:30:42who have won here.
00:30:44Does that help you in any way?
00:30:45It's for me?
00:30:47Yeah.
00:30:47That's you.
00:30:48Okay.
00:30:49Yes.
00:30:49But, you know, it's a different story.
00:30:51In 2020, it was full rain all the weekend.
00:30:54So, to be fair, I had to do pace notes again.
00:30:58But I'm really pleased to be back in the beautiful island.
00:31:01It's going to be a big challenge for all the crews
00:31:04and especially the new tire manufacturer.
00:31:07But we will try to manage it.
00:31:10But I'm also really pleased to see all the spectators tonight.
00:31:14I thought at that time normally the Spanish people are eating,
00:31:16but actually they are there to cheer us.
00:31:19So, thanks to everybody.
00:31:20And I hope it's going to be a big show for everybody this weekend.
00:31:23And obviously, with your good knowledge of the rally,
00:31:39have you been helping your teammates out?
00:31:40That's a no from Thierry.
00:31:42Have you been helping your teammates?
00:31:44And what do you think to the fans here?
00:32:10They're amazing, aren't they?
00:32:11Well, they're really, really amazing.
00:32:14I'm really pleased.
00:32:15It was already a bit less in 2020,
00:32:18but WRC is always quite special.
00:32:20And it's really, really great to see everybody today.
00:32:23It was during checkdown, also during the service,
00:32:26but also tonight.
00:32:27So, thanks to them.
00:32:29And I just would like them, you know, to be like really loud.
00:32:33Well, what Adrian Formos is asking is that this plaza
00:32:35come down.
00:32:36A very strong applause.
00:32:37Come up, let's go.
00:32:38Buya Grande!
00:32:41Thank you.
00:32:47Gracias.
00:32:48Buen chance, Adrian, for this weekend.
00:32:51Good luck.
00:32:51Now, we're going to move on to Ott.
00:32:53Ott, obviously, like your team, you've won on tarmac before.
00:32:56Are the Gran Canaria roads looking like they might suit you?
00:33:01Did you hear the question?
00:33:02No.
00:33:03You've won on tarmac.
00:33:04Are the Gran Canaria roads looking like they will suit you?
00:33:08We hope so.
00:33:10It's the first time we are rallying here,
00:33:12but to be honest, after Rekki, the roads definitely look amazing.
00:33:17They are very technical.
00:33:18And, obviously, with many corners, but for sure, for rallying, they should be great.
00:33:26Well, well, I'm telling you, Tanak, obviously, that his victory in the asphalto, obviously,
00:33:31is very good, that he loves the archipiélago, he loves, obviously, the Isla of Gran Canaria.
00:33:36The transports that have been found in the Rekki have been spectacular, especially with the
00:33:41rhythm that he has, and especially with the very beautiful curves that he has, too.
00:33:44And, as I said to a previous driver, you could expect all types of weather here on Gran Canaria
00:33:49through the stages.
00:33:50What kind of weather would suit you, and what are you hoping for?
00:33:54I mean, the easiest is always when it's straightforward, so, yeah, not so much to consider,
00:34:03but, I mean, it's a place where the weather can always surprise, so, I guess,
00:34:09even this weekend when it's looking a bit kind of consistent,
00:34:12but, you know, there are still possibilities, so, let's keep the fingers crossed,
00:34:18it's nice and sunny, so it would be enjoyable for everyone.
00:34:20Well, he's telling you, Tanak, that, evidently, what he would like is that the time
00:34:23would be sunny all day, but, obviously, if the humidity comes out,
00:34:29it would be a little bit more in the rally, and try to take a game to each of the
00:34:34crometed tracks, but he would like, and he would like it, that it would be sunny.
00:34:37Thank you very much, Art.
00:34:39We hope for a good sunshine for you this weekend.
00:34:41Thierry, last but not least, well, we're going to come to you after Pablo as well,
00:34:45obviously, second in the championship run, 36 points behind Elfin.
00:34:50Is this the rally for you to play?
00:34:52A little bit of catch-up and steer your way back into the game?
00:34:58I mean, obviously, coming to Gran Canaria is always a pleasure for me,
00:35:01and despite my last experiences over here, 14 and 13 years back, I still had great memories,
00:35:10and hopefully, we're going to repeat those great results here this year.
00:35:16I mean, I finished third back in 2011, and it was a very important race for me at that time for my career.
00:35:24So, hopefully, this one is going to be important as well, and going to make a good move in the championship.
00:35:30We know it's very tough to fight against the Toyotas, and especially Elfin on Tarmac has super good speed as well.
00:35:37But we will give it everything this weekend.
00:35:39I mean, I like roads.
00:35:43I like when it's clean Tarmac, and I think it's going to be a weekend if everything works well,
00:35:49which we really can enjoy driving the cars, those cars on Tarmac.
00:35:53We just need to make sure that, yeah, the perfect setup, we have the perfect setup, and we are fast enough.
00:36:01Well, he will try to find a good setup in his own car, evidently, his memories are good.
00:36:06The last time he was with us, he finished the third place, he knows it's going to be quite complicated,
00:36:11but he's going to put his hand on his hand to give us the victory, too, in this Rally of Las Canarias.
00:36:15Is there any stage or day that you're particularly looking forward to?
00:36:21I mean, of all, every day has some difficulties.
00:36:26I think tomorrow we kick off immediately with the longest stage of the Rally,
00:36:31and definitely a very tricky start of the Rally with the most narrow section of the race as well.
00:36:37So that's going to be particularly difficult, but, yeah, Saturday, some very nice stages with lots of abrasive Tarmac as well.
00:36:48So there are challenges every day, and then the power stage is also a super difficult but fast stage.
00:36:54So I'm looking forward to any of those days, as long as we are in the lead of the Rally.
00:36:58We've asked him if there's a track that he liked, or a special day that's going to be complicated.
00:37:03He's pointing to Saturday, although he says that both Saturday and Sunday are in a spectacular rally.
00:37:09He also wants to enjoy the track because he loves what he has found in the Routometro of this year.
00:37:14Thank you very much, Thierry. Good luck for the weekend.
00:37:17Obviously, Pablo, we're going to move to you last from an ex-driver and a team manager's point of view.
00:37:24You know, you've got both experiences here.
00:37:28How special is it to have WRC here on the island and with all of these fans?
00:37:35I guess it's very special to be here tonight.
00:37:38It's become special since the beginning of the week.
00:37:42It was a very special moment this morning when we saw the first car kicking off the shakedown.
00:37:46I guess it's an event made in Canarias for the whole world.
00:37:50We need to take care for the future to keep on the calendar.
00:37:54And this morning, everyone was respectful with the safety rules.
00:38:00So please be sure that the next three days you are respecting the rules.
00:38:06We need to enjoy the drivers on the stages.
00:38:09You need to enjoy the event.
00:38:10So please respect the rules.
00:38:12And could you say that all again in Spanish?
00:38:14Fantastic. Pablo, bienvenido.
00:38:15Buenas noches a todos.
00:38:16Es un placer estar aquí.
00:38:18Creo que esto es un evento que pertenece a toda Canarias.
00:38:21Tienes que estar muy orgullosos de lo que habéis conseguido.
00:38:23Ahora hay que mantenerlo.
00:38:25Y disfrutar del evento.
00:38:27Disfrutar de estos magníficos pilotos que tenemos.
00:38:29Y va a ser un gran fin de semana que tenemos que disfrutar todos juntos.
00:38:33Así que, por favor, respetar las normas.
00:38:35Y vamos a disfrutar de este Rally de las Canarias.
00:38:39Muchísimas gracias.
00:38:40Thank you very much.
00:38:41Thank you, Hyundai Motorsport.
00:38:43Drivers, if you'd like to get back in the cars, you can leave the microphone.
00:38:47So they suddenly will, and they'll be heading over the ramp.
00:38:49Microphone, yeah.
00:38:50And out into the square, through all these people, back to the hotel, good night's sleep.
00:38:56The stage of the Rally.
00:38:58First up tomorrow morning.
00:38:59That's a real challenge.
00:39:01Yeah, I think I'm going to be at the end of that one, Bex.
00:39:03That's going to be very exciting to hear their thoughts.
00:39:06So many talking points with the tyres and the conditions of this new event, the road surface,
00:39:12tyre preservation, going to be key.
00:39:14I guess the danger is you take it too cautiously on the first one, then you're like, ah.
00:39:19Of course, they've got to look after those tyres, haven't they, for the full loop.
00:39:22Pique, here we go.
00:39:23It's the most important part of the ceremonial start procedure.
00:39:25He needs a selfie.
00:39:26The selfie.
00:39:27Oh, quick Avengers assemble.
00:39:33He's done that before, hasn't he?
00:39:35So we've got the three Hyundai's.
00:39:37We're delighted to say, Bex, next on to stage, we have the full quota of the maximum five Toyota Gazoo racing.
00:39:47I'm just going to say that, because it's, yeah, terrific to see Sebastian Auger making another return.
00:39:55And just wanted to have a little check out, you suspect, of this stunning new event.
00:40:00No slouch, of course, on this surface.
00:40:05No, of course.
00:40:07But yeah, really.
00:40:07For Elvin Evans, this is his favourite service.
00:40:10Yeah.
00:40:10I just say, I mean, you can make an argument for this.
00:40:14That's what's great about our sport these days.
00:40:16Of any one of, like, four, five, six drivers that you could make an argument could win this around.
00:40:22And Andrea, I'm just having a little bit of problem coming off the map here.
00:40:25Hopefully this...
00:40:26He wants to share it.
00:40:28You want to see that again.
00:40:28He had a rotten start, didn't he, to the last round in Kenya.
00:40:32And a handbook come out.
00:40:34Yeah.
00:40:34So many structures to do, yeah?
00:40:36Okay.
00:40:38We're not moving yet.
00:40:40Right.
00:40:41Ah, we have a little bit of movement.
00:40:50This is good.
00:40:50There we go.
00:40:51And off he goes.
00:40:52Oh, we're all collectively holding our breath here in commentary then.
00:40:56But we're all good.
00:40:59Okay, let's move on then to the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team.
00:41:06World Rally Team 2 and World Rally Team.
00:41:08Yeah, of course, Elvin famously with this biggest ever lead in the championship.
00:41:17Of course, you've got to make a bit of a caveat there with the changing point scoring systems
00:41:22over the years.
00:41:22But still, that 30, 36 points, isn't it?
00:41:25It's incredibly upheating the record held by his teammate, Ojeet, from, I think it's the
00:41:31Volkswagen years.
00:41:32And Sani Pyre, of course, continuing his year of learning.
00:41:36And Rovan Perra, who was pretty amazing at Shakedown this morning.
00:41:42Mm.
00:41:42And it's been a bit of a strange one, hasn't it, so far this year for Calais.
00:41:47Two-time world champion, back for the full-time season.
00:41:51But for whatever reason, he's just not getting to grips with the hand-cut tyres this year,
00:41:56maybe, as well as he might.
00:41:57But certainly proven he can win on sealed surfaces.
00:42:01And Takakatsuta, of course, with that circuit racing background from his youth.
00:42:05What could he do?
00:42:06There's so many talking points, aren't there?
00:42:08And Mr. Kankinen, as well, a man who has been here six times on Gran Canaria.
00:42:15I'm loving the fact that we're seeing the good arm-throwing here from the drivers this evening.
00:42:23Do you know what else I'm loving, Peck?
00:42:24It's great to see a smile back on Takakats face.
00:42:26Yeah, that's true.
00:42:27I saw a little bit earlier in the programme.
00:42:29It was a rotten way to finish his outing in Kenya a few weeks back.
00:42:35I mean, we all felt for him, didn't we?
00:42:36What do we think we're going to see from the great man this weekend?
00:42:44What we always see, you know, the absolute fight for the win.
00:42:48The feisty Frenchman on absolute form, I'm sure.
00:42:52The team up there, they've got so many of them.
00:42:54You can pass the microphone back and forth.
00:42:57Let's cross out then.
00:42:59It's like a school photo.
00:43:04Right, Elfin, we're going to start with you.
00:43:08Obviously, after dominance in Kenya and the current championship leader,
00:43:13what did you learn that, you know, you can use here in your findings so far this season?
00:43:20Probably not so much, I'll be honest.
00:43:23It's quite a different event to what we've seen so far in the calendar.
00:43:26But, of course, what is consistent is that we have another new tyre here to learn in the Hancock tyre.
00:43:33So, I think adapting to that quickly will be quite key.
00:43:37Well, Elfin, evidentemente, está muy pendiente de todas las pruebas que ha hecho durante el inicio de temporada
00:43:43para llegar a la Isla Canaria con mucha garantía.
00:43:45Nombran los neumáticos.
00:43:47Hay un desafío importante en trabajar sobre los neumáticos.
00:43:49Y sobre todo, también en este rally tan especial.
00:43:51Good luck for this weekend, Elfin.
00:43:54Sammy, we're going to move to you.
00:43:56Do you have a microphone?
00:43:57Sammy, pass the mic to Sammy, please.
00:44:01Obviously, you've done this rally before in a rally three car.
00:44:04How different will it be in the rally one car?
00:44:06Very different.
00:44:09Of course, maybe I know more or less how it can feel on the stage.
00:44:14It can be really, really nice, really enjoyable,
00:44:17but not so much like concrete things what you can take from what I experienced four years ago.
00:44:26But, yeah, it was a nice rally and good feelings from there.
00:44:29Thank you very much.
00:44:31We'll have that translated.
00:44:32So, estamos hablando de su participación en la categoría RC3 aquí en la Isla de Gran Canaria.
00:44:37Como lo asemejaríamos con el Rally Uno.
00:44:41Evidentemente, no tiene nada que ver una cosa con la otra,
00:44:43pero que su experiencia también en la Isla de Gran Canaria le va a ver muy bien para buscar un buen ritmo.
00:44:48Thank you very much, Sammy.
00:44:50Takamoto, moving on to you.
00:44:52How good does it feel to drive, especially that car, Rally One car,
00:44:59on these tarmac roads?
00:45:01It's always good.
00:45:02Not only tarmac and surface.
00:45:04All the surface gravel, snow.
00:45:07Everywhere feels good with Rally One Yaris.
00:45:09So, yeah, I'm very happy to be here.
00:45:12Very clean tarmac.
00:45:13Obviously, stages are so clean.
00:45:15So, I hope weather stays like this and not going to be wet.
00:45:20Otherwise, it's a bit tricky, but we have seen very nice stages.
00:45:24Espera que no termine lloviendo,
00:45:26so that it's difficult to get rid of the state roads.
00:45:28He loves to drive, obviously, his Rally One.
00:45:31It doesn't matter the surface.
00:45:32It doesn't matter whether it's land, asphalt, snow.
00:45:35It doesn't matter.
00:45:35While he's up on the car, he's happy to do it.
00:45:37And, also, he's very grateful to be here in Gran Canaria.
00:45:40Gambate, good luck for your weekend.
00:45:43And, now, we're going to move on to Sébastien Auger.
00:45:48Tires are a little bit unknown here.
00:45:50Weather can be unpredictable.
00:45:52You are famous on how good you are with your tire and reading the weather.
00:45:58How tough will be making all of that work this weekend?
00:46:00Well, it can be very tough.
00:46:04Thank you.
00:46:06We've seen already during Reiki that this island is very special regarding weather.
00:46:10The coast is most of the time warm and dry.
00:46:12But, when you go higher in the elevation, then it's getting much colder and sometimes pretty wet.
00:46:19So, yeah, we'll see which condition we get.
00:46:22But, the tires are new.
00:46:23Elfin mentioned that.
00:46:24First time we use it on dry, hot conditions.
00:46:28So, for sure, it will be a parameter to manage well this weekend.
00:46:32But, for me, I'm also very happy to be at the start.
00:46:35It's been three months since Monte.
00:46:37And, those cars still giving me a big smile to drive.
00:46:41So, looking forward to the race.
00:46:42Bueno, la sonrisa lo dice todo.
00:46:45Evidentemente, siempre le encanta subirse en el Rally Uno.
00:46:47Está esperando desde Monte Carlo para volver otra vez a subirse.
00:46:51El challenge, el desafío va a ser el tema de los neumáticos.
00:46:55Se ha sorprendido muchísimo por los distintos tramos cronometrados que tenemos.
00:46:58Pero, sobre todo, también las distintas climatologías que tenemos desde la costa hasta la montaña.
00:47:03Obviously, thank you very much, Seb.
00:47:05Bon chance, good luck to you this weekend.
00:47:07Moving on to Cali.
00:47:09You have a microphone.
00:47:10Good, good, good.
00:47:11How important is it to win here this weekend and get your championship charge up and run?
00:47:17Yeah, I would say it would be pretty important, let's say.
00:47:23The beginning of the season has not been the best for us.
00:47:26So, obviously, yeah, we need to try to catch some points.
00:47:30A lot of them if we want to stay in the fight.
00:47:33Lo que sí tiene claro, evidentemente, que tiene que buscar todo el máximo punto posible.
00:47:37No ha sido un buen inicio de temporada.
00:47:39Está muy ilusionado y con ganas de arrancar también este rally en las Canarias.
00:47:42And would your co-driver agree with that?
00:47:47Oh, my God.
00:47:48Yes, yes.
00:47:48Thank you.
00:47:49That was a good answer.
00:47:50Y está de acuerdo el copiloto dice sí, completo.
00:47:53Obviously, now moving on to the deputy team principal.
00:47:57Joan, you're pretty well accustomed to the Canarian stages.
00:48:01What is the most tricky part of them, in your opinion?
00:48:05Yeah, I have done the rally five times, I think.
00:48:09And, I mean, it's very clean.
00:48:11It's more racing line driving than any other rallies.
00:48:16It's really clean as for the rally, but very tricky sections.
00:48:20I mean, they are narrow and difficult.
00:48:23So, you have to be really, really careful in some other places.
00:48:29But, I mean, it's really nice roads, I must say, that you can enjoy them.
00:48:35And what would you say the secret to the success is here?
00:48:59What's the secret to the success?
00:49:01What have we got to do to be the winner?
00:49:05How can we win?
00:49:07A secret of success.
00:49:08Yes, secret of success.
00:49:09I mean, they are on my left-hand side here.
00:49:13El secreto está en el lado izquierdo, sí, señor.
00:49:16Como tiene que ser.
00:49:17¿Cuál es el secreto para ganar el rally?
00:49:19El rally está aquí, en el lado izquierdo.
00:49:20And who agrees with Johanna?
00:49:22These guys are going to be the winners this weekend.
00:49:25Can be a victory.
00:49:26Van a ser los ganadores, sí o no.
00:49:30Muchas gracias.
00:49:31That's great.
00:49:34Thank you very much, Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers.
00:49:40What a huge amount of legends on that stage right now, PK.
00:49:44You know, we've got Eitan World Champion, Sebastián Oje,
00:49:47Double World Champions, Kalirov, Impera, Juhar, Kankinen.
00:49:51Four titles there as well.
00:49:53What has that add up to?
00:49:54So, yeah, it's a pretty impressive line-up.
00:49:57And obviously, Elvin Evans hoping to add his name to that list.
00:50:02What's the atmosphere like back in Wales, Bex?
00:50:05Because, I mean, we know he's been around the championship,
00:50:07but it's such a rally-loving nation, isn't it?
00:50:09But I can imagine it's building.
00:50:12I love the fact here that it is Sebastián Oje, a photographer.
00:50:15Yeah, I think, you know, back in the UK and back in Wales in particular,
00:50:19there's such huge support for Elvin.
00:50:22And everyone is delighted.
00:50:24He's doing so well right now.
00:50:28That's a great picture.
00:50:29And we're going to see all of these pictures, of course, on social.
00:50:32Yeah.
00:50:32In the next couple of hours, I'm sure.
00:50:35The incredible thing, going back to Elvin quickly before we move on, Bex,
00:50:39it goes back to the back end of last year, doesn't it?
00:50:41He's finished second or one,
00:50:46but all the way back to, what's that, Chile last year.
00:50:49So second in Chile, second in Central Europe, one in Japan,
00:50:53second in Muncie, and now one in the last two.
00:50:56When you're in a hot streak, that is a hot streak.
00:50:58And it's great to see that he had had a few setbacks earlier on last season.
00:51:03And we know he's capable of fighting,
00:51:05but he has been fighting for titles, hasn't he?
00:51:06A couple of times come close to Oje.
00:51:09So it is great to see it all come together.
00:51:11How many times do we talk about Pico, though,
00:51:12when you get into that run where things are going well,
00:51:16and it really is for him right now,
00:51:18and he's built up this lead that, you know,
00:51:21the pressure is not massively on.
00:51:22It is early in the season, and he's the first driver to say it.
00:51:26You know, he's modest, and it's the fact that it is still early.
00:51:30It could completely change around.
00:51:32But consistency is key for Elvin,
00:51:35and many people are noting it,
00:51:37that there just seems to be a bit of a difference in him this year.
00:51:41He might not want to say there is,
00:51:43but whatever it is, it's doing him well right now.
00:51:47Yeah, and the longer it continues, the more you have that buffer.
00:51:49And then even in Kenya, he didn't take excessive risks.
00:51:53It just all sort of came into him, didn't he?
00:51:54Everyone else died.
00:51:55He had a couple of issues as well in the end there.
00:51:57But, you know, he ended up winning the thing,
00:52:00and that's just the key aspect now.
00:52:02And as Chenny said,
00:52:03he could actually not get any points here,
00:52:05and he's got such a nice buffer to have,
00:52:08but certainly won't be counting his chickens
00:52:10at this early stage of the season.
00:52:14Of course not.
00:52:15We continue on then with the ceremonial start
00:52:18here at the brand-new event on the championship calendar
00:52:20for 2025,
00:52:23and that is Rally Islas Canarias.
00:52:26We begin the stages tomorrow morning,
00:52:29kicking off with the longer stage of the event.
00:52:32For 2025, Rally Spain!
00:52:35But we are about to welcome some more cars
00:52:40onto the stage right now
00:52:41and hear from some more drivers.
00:52:45Yeah, we're, what are we at?
00:52:46Just after 8 o'clock local time, aren't we?
00:52:49Tomorrow morning, if you want to set your alarm clocks.
00:52:55Yeah, you said you're going to be at the end of that one, yeah?
00:52:57Talking to the drivers.
00:52:57My alarm clock will be significantly earlier
00:52:59than 8 o'clock, sadly.
00:53:02But yeah, it's a pretty mountainous interior
00:53:05and it's not a huge island,
00:53:07but the roads and they just snake themselves
00:53:09across this huge, well, like the whole archipelago, isn't it?
00:53:13It's this huge mountain range
00:53:16formed by the volcanoes
00:53:17and millions of years ago.
00:53:19It has created this incredibly eerie, rugged,
00:53:22incredible landscape, hasn't it, across the island.
00:53:25So it's just not so easy to get around.
00:53:29No, it isn't.
00:53:30Okay, we welcome three Citrons up onto the stage then.
00:53:33Jan Czerny, Diego Rubilova, and Raquel Somoschini
00:53:37join us now.
00:53:42We have more of this bumper entry,
00:53:47the WRC2 category this weekend.
00:53:49I think it was 36 in total,
00:53:51plus a few non-nominated as well.
00:53:53It's a huge field like this as well, Bex.
00:54:02I mean, you really can't afford to make
00:54:03any sort of major errors, can you?
00:54:06Because there's just no time
00:54:07and it's hard enough to make up
00:54:08the time on a tarmac rally
00:54:11at the best of it.
00:54:16Jan, welcome.
00:54:17How are you?
00:54:18Doing well?
00:54:19So, Jan Czerny, EFC2 wheel drive title
00:54:25on Czech Rally Champion in 2010.
00:54:28Based in Tenerife,
00:54:30does that give any advantage
00:54:32going into this 49th edition?
00:54:35Good afternoon.
00:54:37Hello.
00:54:37Buenos noches.
00:54:39I'm really, really happy to be here.
00:54:41You know, have like a home rally
00:54:43in World Rally Championship
00:54:45is something amazing
00:54:46and the stages are beautiful.
00:54:48a lot of spectators here
00:54:50and with this beautiful
00:54:52and really fast car,
00:54:53it can be better.
00:54:54Well, well, he's happy.
00:54:55Obviously, he runs as if he was at home.
00:54:58The car is fantastic.
00:55:00He has a well-trained route
00:55:02and he has a lot of time
00:55:03to start this rally
00:55:05in the Canary Islands.
00:55:07Diego Ruilova,
00:55:08how ready are you
00:55:10to get going with this rally?
00:55:11How prepared are you
00:55:13to start all this?
00:55:14You have to have to start all this tomorrow, right?
00:55:16Hello, everybody.
00:55:19Yes, I'm very happy to be here.
00:55:22It's an incredible atmosphere.
00:55:24These rally fans are in another level
00:55:27and I'm living my dream.
00:55:32Tomorrow we start the Real Rally
00:55:33and I'm very happy
00:55:34for this opportunity.
00:55:36with a good breakfast tomorrow
00:55:37with the long run.
00:55:38Yes, sir, as it has to be.
00:55:39Well, I'm very happy to be here
00:55:41and that your dream has been a reality
00:55:42and, obviously,
00:55:43she also has a lot of chance
00:55:44to start this rally in the Canary Islands.
00:55:46She already knows
00:55:50I'm going to call on her
00:55:51before I've said it.
00:55:52Rich Ali.
00:55:53You said that being a rally driver
00:55:55was a dream from your childhood.
00:55:57Have you been living out
00:55:59that dream this year?
00:56:00Explain what that feels like.
00:56:01Yeah, it's really amazing to be here.
00:56:04Also, I love this rally
00:56:06and muchas gracias a todos
00:56:09because it's quite unique
00:56:13that a lot of people
00:56:14during the rally,
00:56:16on the stages,
00:56:17everywhere.
00:56:19So, also today
00:56:20in the service park
00:56:22was full of people,
00:56:24very passionate
00:56:25and so I'm so happy to be here.
00:56:28We're happy to have you here.
00:56:29Well, it's a pleasure.
00:56:31Raquel, además de estar emocionada
00:56:32de estar con nosotros,
00:56:33está muy contenta,
00:56:34está feliz,
00:56:35lleva bastantes participaciones
00:56:36con nosotros
00:56:36y, además, también,
00:56:37bueno, pues lo que quiere
00:56:38es disfrutar del rally.
00:56:40Está recordando la cantidad
00:56:41de gente y aficionados
00:56:42que están no solo
00:56:43y que van a estar
00:56:44en los tramos de trabajo
00:56:45sino también en el parque de trabajo
00:56:46que se lo está pasando
00:56:47muy bien con ellos.
00:56:49Ready?
00:56:50Yes.
00:56:50Yes.
00:56:51So, I'm going to ask you
00:56:53something else.
00:56:54Raquel, we are fighting
00:56:57cystic fibrosis.
00:56:59You've got a challenge,
00:57:01correr, pero un respiro.
00:57:02It's doing well.
00:57:04I've got to congratulate you
00:57:05for the great job you're doing.
00:57:06Te vamos a felicitar
00:57:08por ese gran trabajo
00:57:10que estás haciendo
00:57:11con la fibrosis kística.
00:57:13Yes, it's something
00:57:15that it's so important for me
00:57:17and also here in Islas Canarias
00:57:20there's an important hospital
00:57:24that is about cystic fibrosis
00:57:27and also we are trying
00:57:29to raise awareness
00:57:30as much as possible
00:57:31also because it's very important
00:57:33to talk about an illness
00:57:35that is not...
00:57:36you cannot see it.
00:57:39but it's a lot of people
00:57:42has it and so it's important
00:57:45to spread awareness.
00:57:46Well, it's clear
00:57:47that the foundation
00:57:47is doing its work
00:57:49that is collecting a lot of money
00:57:50that here in Canarias
00:57:51there's also a specific hospital
00:57:53in there
00:57:53and that it's giving you
00:57:54a lot of affection
00:57:54and a lot of ganas.
00:57:55So, Raquel,
00:57:56congratulations.
00:57:56Thank you.
00:57:57Congratulations.
00:57:57Great to hear from those guys.
00:58:14I love the fact, you know,
00:58:17Jan Cerny saying how much,
00:58:18you know,
00:58:19with all the backing
00:58:19that he's had from the islands,
00:58:21he feels very much at home here.
00:58:23Now, we are going to head back down
00:58:26to Kiri Bloor
00:58:27who is there right
00:58:29in the heart of things
00:58:29at the ceremonial start.
00:58:33Thanks so much, guys.
00:58:35Yeah, fantastic opening ceremony
00:58:37setting us up nicely
00:58:38for what is in store tomorrow.
00:58:41We've said it,
00:58:41it's the biggest stage,
00:58:42the longest stage of the weekend
00:58:44to start us off on Friday morning.
00:58:46It's going to be a good one.
00:58:47Yeah, for sure.
00:58:48Massive challenge.
00:58:49I was speaking to some of the lads
00:58:51when, you know,
00:58:52Meet the Cruise was taking place
00:58:53and then coming over the start ramp
00:58:54and a lot of the gravel crews,
00:58:56the safety note crews,
00:58:56are leaving at like half one
00:58:58in the morning,
00:58:58two o'clock in the morning
00:58:59to go out and check the notes,
00:59:01everything else.
00:59:01Now, even on a rally like this,
00:59:03it really matters,
00:59:04particularly if we do see that rain.
00:59:06So I think tomorrow
00:59:07is going to be
00:59:07an incredibly exciting day
00:59:09and somebody is going to have to make their move
00:59:12early on for sure.
00:59:14There's a lot at stake this weekend.
00:59:16Can Albert Evans pull it away?
00:59:18Is Thierry going to make his charge?
00:59:21And can Calle Robert Perra
00:59:22get out that bunch of the 31-point boys?
00:59:25Well, it's all coming up
00:59:27over the next three days.
00:59:29That brings to a close
00:59:30the start ramp.
00:59:31The official opening to rally
00:59:33is Las Canarias.
00:59:34Are you ready to do it all tomorrow, Thierry?
00:59:36Honestly, I'm incredibly...
00:59:37It's just going to be such a good rally.
00:59:39Bye!
01:00:06Bye!
01:00:11Bye!
01:00:14Bye!
01:00:15Bye!
01:00:15See you next week!
01:00:17Bye!
01:00:24Bye!
01:00:25Bye!
01:00:27Bye!
01:00:27Bye!
01:00:28Bye!
01:00:29Bye!
01:00:34Bye!...
01:00:35Bye!
01:00:35Sub indo by broth3rmax