42nd Orvecame Norte Rally Set for Pivotal Showdown in Canary Islands Championship

The 42nd Orvecame Norte Rally is set to be a pivotal moment in the 2026 Canary Islands Asphalt Rally Championship (CCRA). According to local experts, this second round of the season—organized by Escudería Daute Realejos—is shaping up to be much more unpredictable than in previous years.

The rally, running this Friday and Saturday, has attracted 120 teams, with 105 competing in the speed category and 15 in Regularity Sport. However, the event has faced some logistical challenges; the aftermath of storm Therese forced organizers to cancel the shakedown between Pinolere and Mamio due to damage to the road surface.

The competition covers nearly 100 timed kilometers across seven stages, winding through La Orotava, Los Realejos, Icod de los Vinos, La Guancha, San Juan de la Rambla, Garachico, and El Tanque. The action kicks off this Friday at 9:00 p.m. with a 20-kilometer night stage ending in Aguamansa. The main event follows on Saturday, starting at 9:45 a.m., featuring three routes run twice. With unstable weather expected, drivers will need to be strategic to succeed.

On the track, Miguel Suárez will be absent as he focuses on the Villa de Adeje Rally, leaving the door open for the other title contenders. Enrique Cruz, the most decorated driver in the championship, is looking for a comeback after a third-place finish in Arrecife and a tough outing at this event last year. He faces stiff competition from Alexey Lukyanuk, who is prioritizing the regional championship after his dominant win in Lanzarote.

Other favorites include 2024 winner Yeray Lemes and reigning event champion Sergio Fuentes, who hopes to repeat his success on a course that saw many retirements last year. With other strong teams like Manuel Mesa and Dailos González, as well as Ayoze Almeida and Alberto León, the North Rally is more than just a test of endurance—it is a crucial indicator of who will lead this wide-open championship.