Watch WRC Rally Italia Sardegna — Shakedown Free.

What's at Stake

The shakedown session in Sardinia serves as the final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their suspension and differential settings before tackling some of the roughest gravel stages on the calendar. With the championship battle intensifying, finding the right balance between speed and durability is crucial to avoid early mechanical failures on the rocky Italian terrain.

Form Guide

Heading into the mid-season, the frontrunners have shown remarkable consistency on loose surfaces, though the unique heat and dust of Sardinia often favor those with later road positions. Recent rounds have seen a tight exchange of victories between the top three manufacturers, suggesting a highly competitive weekend ahead as teams adapt to the island's narrow, technical tracks.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The Finn’s ability to manage tire wear on abrasive surfaces makes him a constant threat in high-temperature rallies.
• Thierry Neuville — A previous winner in Sardinia, his aggressive driving style often rewards him on the technical Mediterranean stages.
• Ott Tänak — Known for his flat-out pace, the Estonian will be looking to exploit his car's aerodynamic efficiency on the faster sections of the route.

Prediction

Expect the championship leader to set the pace during the shakedown as they establish a benchmark for the field. However, the session will likely conclude with minimal time gaps between the top five drivers, setting the stage for a tactical battle where road cleaning duties will ultimately dictate the opening day's standings.