Sébastien Ogier Holds Narrow Lead Over Oliver Solberg Ahead of Rally Islas Canarias Finale

Gran Canaria, Spain, April 25, 2026: Sébastien Ogier will head into the final day of Rally Islas Canarias with a slender 3.8-second advantage over Oliver Solberg after an intense Saturday battle in the World Rally Championship.

The eight-time world champion, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, had started the day with a comfortable 8.9-second lead. However, Solberg mounted a determined charge across six stages, setting up a dramatic showdown heading into Sunday’s final leg.

Solberg Closes In as Conditions Challenge Drivers

Saturday’s stages across Gran Canaria delivered rapidly changing grip levels, with damp patches and intermittent rain complicating tyre choices and pace management.

Elfyn Evans initially set the tone by winning the opening two stages, briefly closing in on the leaders. But Solberg responded emphatically, claiming both runs of the demanding Moya–Gáldar stage to steadily cut into Ogier’s lead.

Despite a slight brush with the barriers, Solberg’s pace remained relentless. By the end of the morning loop, Ogier’s advantage had shrunk to just over five seconds.

Afternoon Drama Sets Up Sunday Showdown

As conditions improved in the afternoon, the battle intensified. Evans continued his strong form with another stage win, while Ogier and Solberg traded identical times on the technical Arucas–Firgas–Teror stage.

The decisive moment came on the final stage of the day, where Solberg pushed to the limit and outpaced Ogier by 1.4 seconds, reducing the gap to just 3.8 seconds — setting up one of the closest fights of the season.

“We’ve been there all day to put pressure on him… it’s four long stages to go and everything is possible,” said Oliver Solberg.

Ogier welcomed the challenge, adding that the close fight is exactly what makes rallying exciting.

Toyota Dominates Top Five

Elfyn Evans holds third place overnight, 21.9 seconds off the lead after a significantly improved performance. Behind him, Sami Pajari and championship leader Takamoto Katsuta completed a clean sweep of the top five for Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Further down the order, Adrien Fourmaux led Hyundai Motorsport’s charge in sixth, ahead of returning veteran Dani Sordo. A frustrated Thierry Neuville endured another difficult day in eighth.

WRC2 Battle Heats Up

In the WRC2 category, Yohan Rossel maintained control, leading the field for Lancia. Behind him, a fierce fight for second sees Alejandro Cachón and Léo Rossel separated by just 0.2 seconds, with Eric Camilli close behind.

Final Day Decider Awaits

Sunday’s final leg features four stages, including two passes of Ingenio–Valsequillo and Santa Lucía–Agüimes, where the rally will be decided.

With just 3.8 seconds separating Sébastien Ogier and Oliver Solberg, Rally Islas Canarias is poised for a thrilling finish — and potentially one of the closest conclusions in recent World Rally Championship history.