2026 WRC Final Round: Italy Sardinia Rally Opens

*This content was translated by AI.

Under the auspices of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and sponsored by Hankook Tire, the season finale of the '2026 World Rally Championship (WRC),' the 'Italy Sardinia Rally,' will be held from October 1 to 4 (local time) in the Alghero area of Sardinia, Italy. With the Saudi Arabia Rally, originally scheduled as the final event of the season, removed from the WRC calendar, this event will serve as the closing chapter of the 2026 season. As it is the final stage where the season champion will be determined, driver strategy in response to rough road surfaces and unpredictable weather, along with tire performance, has become crucial.

This event consists of 17 special stages (SS) on unpaved roads, covering a total distance of approximately 307.02 km. The environment features narrow roads, vegetation, and blind crests where visibility is limited, meaning even minor mistakes can lead to fatal consequences. In particular, the course includes the famous 'Mikkis Jump' section, followed by deeply rutted tire tracks and rough rocky terrain, making exceptional tire durability and driving stability key factors in determining victory or defeat.

Hankook Tire, the exclusive supplier of racing tires for this event, will support a perfect race by providing its extreme all-weather rally tire, the 'Dynapro R213,' in both hard and soft compounds. The 'Dynapro R213' effectively absorbs strong impacts from gravel surfaces while delivering stable grip and precise handling performance even at high speeds, enabling drivers to showcase their skills.

In the previously held Round 12, the Chile Rally, Oliver Solberg of Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team secured his second victory of the season. As a result, the Toyota team clinched the manufacturer championship title for the 2026 season early, achieving its sixth consecutive and 10th overall title since 2021. With the manufacturer champion already decided, the final driver's championship will be determined at the Sardinia Rally, which serves as the season finale.

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*This content was translated by AI.