Loe seda artiklit eesti keeles siit
RU Прочитайте эту статью на русском языке здесь
The 2026 WRC season comes to an end this week as Rally Italia Sardegna takes place from October 1–4. The final round brings the championship back to Alghero and the rough gravel roads of Sardinia, with Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo among the crews ready for the last rally of the year.
The route features 17 stages covering 307.15 competitive kilometres. After a year in Olbia, the rally returns to Alghero, which hosts the event for the tenth time. The service park will be located on Lungomare Barcellona.
A Tough Finish to the Season
Rally Italia Sardegna first joined the WRC calendar in 2004 and has built a reputation as one of the tougher gravel rallies of the season. Narrow roads, abrasive surfaces, blind crests and very little room for error.
This year brings another variable, as Rally Italia Sardegna is being held in October for only the fourth time in its history. Cooler temperatures and changing autumn conditions could make the challenge slightly different from the hot summer editions more commonly associated with the island.
The action begins on Thursday with the Monte Baranta shakedown, followed by the short Ittiri Arena Show. Friday and Saturday provide most of the competitive distance before four final stages on Sunday, including the 7.10 km Sassari–Argentiera Power Stage.
WRC2 Champions Ready for Sardinia
Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo arrive in Sardinia with the 2026 WRC2 title already secured. The cancellation of the Saudi Arabian WRC round left their championship lead out of reach, settling the title before the final rally of the year.
With the championship decided, the Estonian crew can approach Sardinia without the pressure of a title fight. The competition remains strong, however, with more than 30 crews entered in WRC2, including several strong competitors Virves and Viilo have battled throughout the season.
Chanz has supported Robert throughout his WRC2 journey, and we are happy to be alongside him as a memorable year reaches its final WRC start.
