Rovanpera continues to soar in Canary Islands

The Finn ended the day 45 seconds ahead of Toyota team-mate Sebastien Ogier.

Rovanpera, the world champion in 2022 and 2023, had struggled in the first three rounds of the season as he returned from driving part-time last season. On the tarmac in the Canaries he has rediscovered his rhythm.

"It's not every day you find yourself in this position, and stage wins come one after the other very easily. I like it, it's good," said Rovanpera.

His streak ended in the last special stage of the day, which ended in a sports hall and its car park in the city of Las Palmas, as Elfyn Evans won the stage.

Rovanpera is benefiting from Toyota's clear superiority as they ended the day occupying the first four places.

Behind Ogier, championship leader Evans was third and Takamoto Katsuta was fourth. Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux in a Hyundai was fifth just over two minutes slower than Rovanpera.

The Finn started the inaugural Canary Island event sixth in the driver standings, 57 points behind Evans

"We need the points," said Rovanpera. "I just hope we have the same feeling tomorrow in the car -- that everything comes easily."

The final day on Sunday will see competitors contest five further special stages, the last of which, the Power Stage, earns additional championship points.