Diego Ruiloba Claims Thrilling Rally Isla de Los Volcanes Victory in Lanzarote
One of Lanzarote’s biggest sporting weekends ended in spectacular fashion as Diego Ruiloba and co-driver Ángel Vela secured victory in the 2026 Rally Isla de Los Volcanes, winning by an incredible one-tenth of a second after a dramatic comeback.
The event, which forms the sixth round of the Spanish Super Rally Championship (S-CER), attracted top rally crews from across Spain and once again showcased Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes to motorsport fans nationwide.
A Stunning Fightback
Although Ruiloba eventually stood on the top step of the podium, victory looked unlikely during the opening stages.
Early mechanical issues with the exhaust system of his Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 cost valuable time, allowing rival Pepe López to build an early advantage. However, Ruiloba steadily reduced the gap throughout Saturday before producing a superb final stage to snatch victory by the narrowest of margins.
The result also marked an important milestone for Lancia, giving the iconic manufacturer its first victory since returning to Spanish rally competition this season.
Local Favourite Impresses
Lanzarote’s own Yeray Lemes delighted home supporters by finishing third overall, producing an excellent performance on roads he knows so well.
The top five finishers were:
- Diego Ruiloba / Ángel Vela (Lancia)
- Pepe López / David Vázquez (Hyundai)
- Yeray Lemes / Rogelio Peñate (Citroën)
- Sergi Pérez / Axel Coronado (Toyota)
- Giovanni Fariña / Alejandro Rodríguez (Hyundai)
Lanzarote Continues to Shine as a Motorsport Destination
The Rally Isla de Los Volcanes has become one of Lanzarote’s flagship sporting events, bringing visitors, teams and spectators to the island each year.
The rally route passes through several municipalities, including Haría, Teguise, Tinajo, San Bartolomé, Tías and Yaiza, with competitors tackling demanding gravel stages surrounded by Lanzarote’s famous volcanic scenery. For many drivers, it’s one of the most distinctive events on the Spanish calendar.
What the Result Means
Ruiloba’s victory strengthens his challenge in the Spanish Super Rally Championship, closing the gap to the championship leaders as the season heads towards its remaining rounds.
With several rallies still to come, the championship battle remains wide open, and this dramatic Lanzarote victory could prove to be one of the defining moments of the season.
As the rally continues to grow in prestige, it reinforces Lanzarote’s reputation as a year-round destination capable of hosting world-class events against one of the most spectacular natural backdrops in Europe.
