The Enchanted Island is preparing to host the second edition of the Sardegna Rally Raid. A long gestation, but here are the reasons why it was worth the wait. Major developments and strong promotional momentum in a whirlwind of strategic direction changes.
The 2026 edition of the Sardegna Rally Raid has been long awaited. But it has never stood still. It has been a year of development based on the only global reference available—the successful first edition, which was considered “step zero” of what is essentially a new and complex event, laid like a veil of elegance over the responsibility of doing justice to the beauty of the island.
It has also been a long season of negotiations, aimed at bringing this typically exotic discipline back to Italy, giving the event a new depth of content and establishing the Sardegna Rally Raid as a pioneering competition—young, dynamic, and bold, yet mature in the balance of its decisions. During this period came the endorsement of the governing bodies, FIA and FIM, along with guarantees of the necessary support for what is intended as a long-term—everyone hopes very long-term—investment. The foundations have been laid for an ambition that places the Sardinia Rally on the world stage with dual World Championship status for both cars and bikes.
This explains the late but still timely official announcement, consistent with the organizer’s respect for enthusiasts. For participants—whether competitors or visitors—it represents the promise of a key event in the discipline and an opportunity, even an excuse, to return once again—and again—to paradise.
Northern Paradise, then: from May 15 to 17, the Sardegna Rally Raid launches its second edition across the northern part of Sardinia, from Gallura to Romangia, from Monte Acuto to Anglona. It is a web of roads unfolding across a wide range of natural landscapes, breathtaking views and—let’s be honest—triggers of truly incomparable emotions. If we exaggerate slightly, it is also a “transfer” of pride and awareness into an edition whose ambitions are unmistakable. Let’s take a closer look at the event structure.
Cars and bikes together. The rally format, the geographical setting, the structure, and the team. The base for the 2026 Sardegna Rally Raid will be Olbia. During the event, a reserved port area, the historic center, and the city’s main infrastructures will be at the rally’s disposal. Behind it all stands a major organizational effort, led by AC Sassari with the support of the Automobile Club of Italy and under the patronage of the Regione Sardegna, in collaboration with Moto Club Insolita Sardegna.
Event validity: Italian Motorally and Raid TT Championship, European Baja Championship for bikes, and Italian Cross-Country Championship for cars. Three days of racing across the provinces of Sassari and Olbia-Tempio, covering approximately 900 kilometers, three quarters of which will be special stages.
A winning team remains in place, with a “dream team” of experienced and proven professionals leading an event designed not only as a sporting challenge but also as a showcase for this “paradise” of great impact.
Now we can say it: entries are open. Welcome to Sardinia!
Source: Sardegna Rally Raid Press Office release
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