Rally stage cancelled due to illegal parking

Stage Three at the Rally Islas Canarias in Spain was cancelled after more than 100 cars from visitors were found to be illegally parked.

The long-running event is scheduled for April 23 through 26, marking the 50th anniversary of the World Rally Championship showdown.

Based in capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the event features 18 stages and over 300km across the island. Thus far, reigning world rally champion Sebastien Ogier has grabbed the lead of the Rally Islas Canarias; but it was soon announced one of the early stages were cancelled.

Stage Three was interrupted because 100 spectator vehicles were found illegally parked in a protected area near SS3 Tejeda - San Mateo 1.

A statement from the FIA read: "Due to more than 100 spectator vehicles being found illegally parked within a protected area near SS3, the Clerk of the Course was forced to cancel the stage in order to allow for the removal of the vehicles from the area.

"Spectators are urged to remove their vehicles from the area immediately and are reminded to only park in officially designated parking zones for the remainder of the event."

READ MORE: 'Crazy' Hamilton theory rubbished, insider says 'he's coming back'

Rally Islas Canarias as it stands (Stage Four)

Ogier currently leads Stage Four in the Toyota ahead of Finn Sami Pajari in second and British driver Elfyn Evans in third.

Takamoto Katsuta has dropped down to fifth in the No. 18 Toyota, despite taking the lead after Thursday evening’s opening super special.

2026 World Rally Championship calendar

READ MORE: Hire Horner and fix Newey, the Aston Martin farce has gone on long enough