Rally Italy will go to Rome in 2027

It had to happen one day. First appearing in 2004 to replace the Sanremo, the rally Sardinia has constantly been in the hot seat. Despite the beauty of the location, its location on an island has always worked against it. It has regularly been criticized for not being able to accommodate large crowds. On several occasions, it was announced that this round would disappear... but it has managed to maintain this level for 22 consecutive editions. The Italians even managed to resist the pandemic in 2020. The threat loomed, however, because on the other side of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the race near Rome was sharpening its ambitions. The rumor of a transfer had already circulated, but it was even stronger than usual during the last visit to Olbia in June. The scenario that was most often mentioned will come to fruition. Sardinia will host the WRC In 2026, the championship will then move to Rome. This means that the next calendar will end with 7 events on gravel after Japan, which will take place in May.

For several years, political bickering has been reported between the Sardinians, the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), and other parties surrounding this move. On the part of the promoter, the main motivation was to be able to show images of the elite competitors next to the Coliseum. This is being done in ERC and we'll have to get used to that happening in the WRC. We are convinced that this agreement represents the best solution for the future of top-level rallying in Italy. " said Simon Larkin, Senior Events Director at WRC Promoter. The decision to postpone the move to 2027 will give us the time we need, working with the FIA, to best prepare the event in Rome, ensuring its success in its first year. The new Rally Italy will take place on the winding, asphalt roads of the Lazio region, where Rome's world-renowned and historic setting offers a unique opportunity to raise the WRC's profile on the international stage. Our priority is to create a high-level event that can honor the history of rallying in Italy and propel it into an even brighter future." For the negotiations to be successful, a long-term contract had to be put in place. From 2027, this event will have 5 years to convince. On the back burner was Sardinia's continued presence in the ERC between 2027 and 2030. It's still too early to have details on the WRC's arrival in Rome, but locating a round in such a huge (and congested!) city is a real challenge.