Rally Italia Sardegna 2025: Can Elfyn Evans Extend His Lead or Will Hyundai and Ford Strike Back?

June 5–8, 2025 – Sardinia, Italy

The gravel roads of Sardinia are calling, and with them comes one of the most intense battles of the 2025 WRC season. Rally Italia Sardegna is here — and it’s promising drama, speed, and razor-thin finishes.

A Stage Set for Redemption and Rivalry

Fresh off a thrilling Rally de Portugal, where Sébastien Ogier claimed his seventh Portuguese victory and Ott Tänak proved Hyundai still has the pace to challenge, all eyes now turn to the winding, sun-baked trails of Italy. Historically, this rally has delivered some of the closest duels in WRC — especially between Ogier and Tänak. Will Sardinia repeat the spectacle?

At the top of the championship standings is Elfyn Evans, whose consistency has paid off. With a 30-point lead over Rovanperä and Ogier, Italy could be the perfect rally to extend his gap — but only if he survives the fierce onslaught from Hyundai and his own Toyota teammates.

WRC1 Lineup – Rally Italia Sardegna 2025

1. Elfyn Evans – Championship leader, cool under pressure.
2. Kalle Rovanperä – Young, aggressive, and always a threat.
3. Thierry Neuville – 2024 champion, looking to bounce back.
4. Sébastien Ogier – Sardinia specialist with unfinished business.
5. Ott Tänak – Fast and fearless, aiming to convert pace into wins.
6. Adrien Fourmaux – Fast but unlucky in Portugal. Can he recover?
7. Takamoto Katsuta – Solid and reliable. Dark horse material.
8. Sami Pajari – Rising star showing maturity and pace.
9. Grégoire Munster – Determined to prove he belongs at the top.
10. Martin Sesks – Surprise package, showing flashes of brilliance.
11. Josh McErlean – Looking to turn experience into points.
12. Jourdan Serderidis – Veteran presence, always a fan favorite.

Hyundai’s Redemption Arc?

Despite delivering some of the most exciting stage times, Hyundai’s Portugal campaign was hampered by Tanak’s mechanical failure and Fourmaux’s crash. But all signs point to a no-holds-barred approach in Sardinia. Hyundai’s technical director has promised a “flat-out” strategy, and with Neuville needing to regain his form, this could be the turning point of the season for the Korean manufacturer.

Will Ford Break Through?

Ford Puma has shown flashes of brilliance but remains on the edge of the conversation. Dubbed the “flower girls” of the WRC due to their supporting role, the pressure is now on to step up. Sardinia’s unpredictable stages could give them the break they need — if they’re ready.

The Battle Begins June 5

With 12 Rally1 cars and the world’s best drivers set to face off, Rally Italia Sardegna 2025 will be more than just a race — it’s a strategic showdown with title implications. Will Toyota continue to dominate? Can Hyundai finally turn pace into wins? Will Ford surprise everyone?

Stay tuned to rallyfanatics.com for stage-by-stage updates, driver reactions, and all the WRC juice!