Dominant Rovanpera romps home in Rally Islas Canarias

The Finn won 15 of the 18 special stages, allowing himself to ease off on the final day to secure his first victory since the Rally of Chile last September.

He also won the final race, the Power Stage, on Sunday to score additional points in the championship.

Still just 24 years old, it was Rovanpera's 16th WRC victory as he finished more than 53 seconds ahead of French driver Sebastien Ogier, with Toyota taking the top four places.

It marks an uptick in form after an indifferent start which saw his best return a fourth-place in Monte Carlo.

"It wasn't the best start to the season but I'm very comfortable in these conditions and we're back on top now," said Rovanpera, who ran only a few events last season after winning back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.

Welshman Elfyn Evans finished third to retain the lead in the world championship with 109 points, ahead of Rovanpera (66) and reigning world champion Thierry Neuville (59), who could do no better than seventh in his Hyundai.

Eight time world champion Ogier, who is only competing in a few races, is fourth in the standings thanks to his victory in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally, the only other race he has particpated in this season.