WRC, Sportrik Media - Dani Sordo returns to top-tier World Rally Championship machinery with Hyundai Motorsport at Rally Islas Canarias 2026, targeting victory despite a 600-day absence from Rally1 competition.
The Spanish driver’s appearance marks his first outing of the 2026 season and his first in a Rally1 car since Acropolis Rally 2024. Within Hyundai’s structure, Sordo operates as a part-time driver, supporting the manufacturers’ championship effort alongside full-season contenders Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux. Similar roles have been fulfilled earlier this season by Hayden Paddon and Esapekka Lappi.
Despite competing on home soil, Sordo is statistically the least experienced Hyundai driver at Rally Islas Canarias. However, his historical record on Spanish asphalt events remains strong, including nine podium finishes and five runner-up results when the rally was previously based in Catalunya.
Preparation for this return included participation in Rallye La Llana two weeks prior, allowing Sordo to rebuild familiarity with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 and re-establish rhythm alongside co-driver Cándido Carrera. This step is critical given the precision required in Rally1 cars, particularly on high-grip tarmac stages.
“I am really excited to be back in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car and especially looking forward to being in Canarias,” Sordo said.
“My target is to have a good setup and fight for the victory or a podium. When I start a rally, I always aim for the win, and being in Spain on tarmac makes that feel achievable.”
He added that the pre-event test provided encouraging signs in terms of balance and overall setup direction.
“I think we found a good setup and balance with the car at Rallye La Llana, and it was great to work with Cándido again.”
From a competitive standpoint, Sordo’s challenge extends beyond personal readiness. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT dominated this event in its previous running with the GR Yaris Rally1, establishing a performance benchmark that Hyundai must match or exceed.
Additionally, Rally Islas Canarias presents complex and rapidly changing conditions, often shifting between wet and dry stages within short distances. This variability places a premium on setup adaptability and driver confidence.
“I don’t remember a great deal about Canarias, but it’s a legendary rally from the Spanish Championship,” Sordo noted.
“What I do remember is how difficult it is to find a good feeling because conditions can change completely from one stage to the next.”
Analytically, Sordo’s chances of victory will depend on three primary factors: the speed of his readaptation to Rally1 performance demands, the effectiveness of Hyundai’s setup across variable asphalt conditions, and his positioning within the broader manufacturers’ strategy.
Rally Islas Canarias 2026 represents a critical test not only for Sordo’s individual comeback but also for Hyundai’s rotational driver strategy against Toyota’s early-season strength. The outcome will provide a clearer indication of whether this approach can deliver meaningful gains in the manufacturers’ championship battle as the season progresses.
Baca Juga
Sami Pajari incar kemenangan pertama di WRC Canarias 2026 setelah podium di Kroasia, dengan Toyota kembali dominan di lintasan aspal.
Toyota kuasai shakedown WRC Canarias 2026 dengan Oliver Solberg tercepat, ungguli Ogier dan Evans, Hyundai tertinggal di sesi pembuka.
Thierry Neuville usulkan perubahan besar format WRC termasuk reli sprint, endurance, dan pendekatan baru untuk menarik pabrikan serta penonton.
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