Yoann Bonato conquered consecutive victories at Rally Islas Canarias in the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship. Teaming up with fellow Frenchman Benjamin Boulloud as his co-driver, Bonato held a slim 0.3-second advantage over compatriot Mathieu Franceschi heading into the final six-stage leg. Despite a fierce battle under the scorching Gran Canaria sun, Bonato emerged victorious with a 2.8-second lead, thanks to his impressive performance in the early stages. This win marked the first for the Citroën C3 Rally2 in this year’s ERC and the second for Michelin. Michelin’s success also extended to the new 2024 FIA European Rally Championship for Tire Suppliers, where Franceschi’s Škoda Fabia Rally2, also equipped with Michelin tires, secured second place. With two consecutive second places, Franceschi now leads the drivers’ championship with 56 points.
Bonato expressed his joy after his third career ERC win, stating: “We tried to push as hard as possible and the result was perfect for us, the team, the tires, and the car. The second loop was challenging with rising temperatures, but we managed it well.” The 40-year-old driver added: “We have only participated in three ERC events this year and if we can win each one of them, it would be perfect. However, with such a small margin this morning, we had to approach it as a new rally, and it worked out.”
Although the desire to claim his first ERC victory tempted Franceschi to challenge Bonato, he prioritized championship points and opted for a cautious approach. Nonetheless, he still managed to secure a stage win in SS11. Franceschi commented: “We were looking for a good pace and feeling to see if we could push along with Bonato. However, taking too many risks would be demanding, so we decided to focus on the points, maintain our position, and reach the finish line. It’s amazing; we never expected this result in Gran Canaria, as it’s a unique event, unlike any other asphalt championship. We are thrilled. Sometimes, it’s crucial to consider the championship and stick to the plan.”
In an exciting Spanish battle for the final spot on the podium, Alejandro Cachón emerged victorious in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 equipped with Pirelli tires, defeating Diego Ruiloba by 2.7 seconds. Jose Antonio Suarez finished fifth. Cachón initially led after SS4, but dropped to 17th position due to a damaged tire in the following stage. However, he made an impressive comeback, winning the final two stages.
ERC champion Hayden Paddon started the second leg in third place but faced understeer issues in his Hyundai i20 N Rally2 equipped with Pirelli tires, forcing him to settle for sixth place. Jon Armstrong, ERC3 champion, finished seventh in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 after experiencing intercom problems earlier. Mads Østberg recovered from brake issues to secure eighth place, while Yeray Lemes, a native of the Canary Islands, finished ninth, one position ahead of Austria’s Simon Wagner.
Efren Llarena, Enrique Cruz, Alexey Lukyanuk and Erik Cais followed, with Filip Mareš, equipped with Hankook tires, completing the top 15 scorers of the championship in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Miko Marczyk, unfortunately, received a two-minute penalty for a tire infraction, causing him to drop out of the scoring positions.
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The world of sports is full of excitement and surprises, and this year is no exception. With several thrilling competitions taking place around the world, fans are eager to see their favorite teams shine. But, in addition to the players’ amazing performances, there are also fascinating stories behind the scenes that deserve to be told.
One of these stories is the meteoric rise of a young talent in the world of soccer. João Silva, only 18 years old, is impressing everyone with his exceptional skills. He started his career as an amateur player in his hometown and quickly caught the eye of scouts from major clubs. Now, he is about to sign a professional contract with one of the country’s biggest clubs.
Another interesting story is the fierce rivalry between two Formula 1 drivers. Pedro Martinez and Luis Santos are competing for the title of world champion this year. Both drivers have incredible skills and are willing to do anything to win. The battle between them has been intense and thrilling to watch.
In the world of basketball, one player is standing out above all others. Carlos González is known for his impeccable shooting ability and unique playing style. He has been the standout of his team in every game and is leading the league in scoring. Fans are amazed by his incredible plays and are eager to see what he will do next.
These are just a few of the exciting stories happening in the world of sports. With so many events taking place, it’s hard to keep up with everything. But one thing is certain: the world of sports never fails to surprise us. So stay tuned for more news and updates on these stories and much more. Sports is full of excitement and never leaves us bored.
