The 50th Rally Islas Canarias, which this year reaffirms its status as a Rally de España event within the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), has announced a significant change in its lineup for the vehicle tasked with opening each timed section. Hyundai Canarias has confirmed that world-class driver Grégoire Munster will be at the controls of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 as the 'zero car' for the Spanish WRC event.
Munster steps in for Finnish driver Teemu Suninen, who is unable to attend the island event due to a new sporting project competing in the European Rally Championship (ERC). This decision by Hyundai Canarias underscores its commitment to motorsport and the passionate Canarian fanbase, ensuring the presence of an elite driver to maintain the highest standards of safety and performance.
With his established position in the WRC elite, Munster will bring his valuable international experience and proven speed to the demanding asphalt roads of the archipelago. His deep understanding of the pace and dynamics of the top category makes him the ideal figure to perform the 'zero car' function, especially having participated in the Rally Islas Canarias twice before: in 2020 with a Rally2 and in 2025 with a top-category Rally1.
As the first vehicle to traverse the stages at competition speed, the driver's role will be fundamental in certifying the safety conditions of the track just before the World Championship competitors pass through. For this challenge on Canarian asphalt, Munster will drive a very special unit: the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 belonging to the Hyundai Canarias Motorsport team.
This update in the lineup reinforces the strong commitment of Hyundai Canarias, the official importer of the brand in the archipelago, to the development of motorsport. The participation of a World Championship star driving the regional team's car highlights the excellent synergy between the brand's global sports division, Hyundai Motorsport, and its official importer in the Canary Islands, elevating the level of local motorsport to global standards.
