GUY Wilks was 8.1 seconds faster over the repeat runs through the first three stages of the Rally Islas Canarias to keep ahead of the locals who were widely expected to give the Intercontinental Rally Challenge regulars a run for their money.

Škoda UK Motorsport put harder springs and different dampers on the rear of Wilks Fabia S2000 as the team continues to find the perfect set-up on its first rally in Gran Canarias.

Wilks reported that the back of the car still felt a little loose, but he and co-driver Phil Pugh still managed to set an good pace over the twisty mountain roads.

All the top crews have continued to use the BF Goodrich A31 hard compound slick tyre - which was the correct choice, despite low cloud and light drizzle at the highest parts of the stages.

Huge crowds have lined the rally route today - including passengers from a massive Royal Caribbean Cruise liner that docked in Las Palmas this morning.

"The rear of the car was a little loose and breaking away a bit too much, but we've never rallied on Gran Canarias before and we are working hard to find the best set-up," said Wilks.

"We're keeping ahead of the cars behind us and we're in a solid fourth position. I'd like to be nearer the sharp end, but it's going okay."