The spectacular World Rally Championship in Sardinia
From 31 May to 2 June, the traditional scenarios and routes of the north of the Island are the protagonists, with a logistics base in Alghero
The roar of engines, the skill of the drivers, adrenaline and captivating landscapes. In 2024, the Rally Italia Sardegna - valid as the sixth round of the 2024 World Rally Championship – celebrates its twenty-first anniversary, as always in the name of entertainment, emotions and breathtaking scenery. Alternating with the previous edition in Olbia, the ‘epicentre’ of the event is back in Alghero: The Race Direction and headquarters will be at the prestigious Lo Quarter, while the Service Park is set up between the dockside and Piazzale della Pace. In the city, the influence of Catalan domination is evident and is called to mind by the city’s language and architecture: the towers, bastions, houses, palaces, churches and narrow streets of the historic centre are ideal for romantic walks. Along the 90 kilometres of Alghero’s coastline, there is a succession of golden sandy beaches – Lido, Maria Pia, Le Bombarde – and the cliffs of Capo Caccia, where fascinating grottos like the Caves of Neptune open up. A few steps away, there is another spectacle of nature: the Porto Conte Park.
87 teams at the starting line, representing 33 countries - a new record for the event - including the World Championhip winners Ogier and Tanak, as well as protagonists of the circuit like Evans, Neuville, Katsuta and Sordo. The titles for the minor world categories WRC2 and WRC3 are also up for grabs. The programme provides a more 'compact' formula compared to the past editions: 16 special rounds, divided into three stages, making a total of more than 266 timed kilometres, all on dirt track. The shakedown is scheduled to take place in Ittiri on the morning of Friday 31 May, while in the afternoon the programme includes two ‘classic’ time trials. The first is Osilo - Tergu: arrival is in the small town embellished by the Romanesque architecture of Nostra Signora di Tergu, destination of the procession of the Lunissanti, the event par excellence of Holy Week in Castelsardo. Osilo is a picturesque village in the upper Logudoro region, dominated by the Malaspina castle. The first day ends in Anglona, with the Sedini – Castelsardo stage. The first is known as the ‘village in the rock’ because the houses in its historic centre are built close to and on top of the calcareous banks of a plateau. The most famous monument is La Rocca, the cathedral of the domus de Janas, one of the most unique pre-Nuragic monuments. The time trial ends in Castelsardo, a medieval stronghold overlooking the sea, which was built around the Doria Castle and has become one of the ‘most beautiful villages in Italy’.
Saturday starts with two specials set in Gallura: the first sees Tempio Pausania as the protagonist, a small town - another one of the ‘most beautiful villages in Italy - at the foot of Mount Limbara, famous for cork, muscat and an allegorical carnival. Paved streets and granite buildings are surrounded by parks and springs. The second round, just over 22 kilometres long, starts in Erula, a village in the Anglona area featuring a sparse urban centre, typical of the Gallura stazzi, arriving at Tula, a pretty village in the Logudoro area with a view of Lake Coghinas. Outside the village stands the church of Nostra Signora di Coros. In the afternoon, we return to Monte Acuto: before the double passage to Coiluna – Moelle it's time for the much-awaited Monte Lerno – Monti di Alà, during which the drivers will face the famous and spectacular Micky's Jump. A special round - also to be repeated twice - and a jump are perhaps the symbol of the race: in the previous 20 editions they were never missed. The backdrop consists of rugged elevations with bizarre sculptures shaped by the wind, forests, dizzying valleys with streams, little lakes, waterfalls and flat dirt roads, ideal for the special rounds of the world championship
Final stage on Sunday 2 June, about 39 kilometres to be covered entirely in the territory to the north of Alghero. The enchanting Nurra coastline is the protagonist of the first round, the time trial of Cala Flumini, 12 and a half kilometres between sea, Mediterranean greenery and solitary sheepfolds. A unique landscape also characterises the Sassari – Argentiera power stage, the final act of the rally. Grand finale by the beach, next to the ruins of the ancient silver mine, already used as early as Ancient Roman times, for one of the most exciting rounds of the race. The award ceremony will be at 3.30 pm, at the port of Alghero. The location chosen for the celebrations is the Banchina Dogana (Customs Dock): here, the winning team celebrates its success with the traditional dip in the sea. During the event, the port hosts an exhibition dedicated to handicrafts, food and wine, with demonstrations and tastings of the excellent products from every corner of the Island.
