On the tracks of Rallye Sardegna

The Rally Sardinia is an event in international motor rallying and part of the FIA ​​World Rally Championship (WRC). Since its inception in the early 2000s, it has become Italy's premier rally event, attracting thousands of fans to the island each year. This is no surprise, as the gravel tracks and narrow asphalt roads of the Sardinian hinterland provide a unique and challenging backdrop for the rally.

It is usually held in northern Sardinia, with the area around the city of Alghero serving as the paddock. Iconic stages include the Monte Lerno stage with its famous Micky's Jump, where the cars launch spectacularly into the air, and the Cala Flumini stage, which combines fast sections and tricky corners on gravel. Frenchman Sébastien Ogier won the Rally Sardinia three times from 2013 to 2015 driving a VW Polo.

Anyone wanting to follow in Ogier's footsteps for a few kilometers should tackle the section of the rally that leads from SP 90 in a loop to SS 134. The route features a mix of fine and coarse gravel, scree, sandy sections, and occasional muddy, earthy patches. Washouts and occasional water crossings – especially after rain – add further variety. Despite its scenic beauty and the panoramic views through forests and dense undergrowth, it is generally easy to drive, but the gravel fields, washouts, and muddy sections can make it a moderately challenging stretch when wet.

While relatively easy to drive, the gravel track nevertheless perfectly illustrates the capabilities of the rally professionals as they hurtle along it at speeds of up to 180 km/h. In places, the bushes encroach far into the road, as do low-hanging branches, severely narrowing the track – making this passage unsuitable for large vehicles such as 4x4 campers or trucks. At the end of the track, you can turn right and admire the famous Roccia dell’Elefante. This rock formation is one of Sardinia's attractions and does indeed resemble an elephant's head.