WRC - Rally Italy

Rally Italy stands as a premier gravel event in the WRC calendar, taking place on the beautiful island of Sardinia. The race runs through narrow, twisty roads in the Gallura and Monte Acuto regions, with the service park located in Olbia. Rally Italy tests drivers with rough, sun-baked gravel surfaces that can be very demanding on cars and tires.

The Italian rally features several famous stages including Cabu Abbas, Arzachena, and the returning San Giacomo-Plebi. Micky's Jump on the Monte Lerno stage has become an iconic feature where cars fly over 20 meters across a blind crest. The Porto San Paolo stage offers stunning sea views and hosts the final Wolf Power Stage.

Top WRC teams participate in Rally Italy, with major manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai bringing their Rally1 specification cars. These vehicles use 100% sustainable fossil-free fuel and feature spaceframe chassis with four-wheel drive systems. The harsh Sardinian conditions require teams to manage tire wear carefully and adjust suspension settings to handle the rough terrain.

Rally Italy has a rich history in the WRC. Before moving to Sardinia in 2004, the Italian round was held as Rallye Sanremo on the mainland. The first Sardinian edition took place in October 2004 based in Olbia. Over the years, the event has produced close finishes, including the 2018 battle where Thierry Neuville beat Sébastien Ogier by just 0.7 seconds.

The rugged Mediterranean landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for this challenging rally. The combination of tight technical sections and faster stretches makes Rally Italy a true test of driving skill. The summer heat adds another element for teams to manage during this exciting WRC contest.

Rally Italy showcases the best of WRC action on some of the most difficult gravel roads in the championship. The passionate Italian fans create an amazing atmosphere, and the event promises spectacular jumps, slides, and racing on the picturesque Sardinian routes.