Former champion Emil Lindholm leads the charge as the rough gravel classic returns to Olbia
Mladá Boleslav, 6 June 2025 – Following the fierce competition of Rally de Portugal, the FIA World Rally Championship pivots to another gruelling gravel challenge: Rally Italia Sardegna, taking place from 5–8 June on the island’s sun-scorched Mediterranean stages. The sixth round of the 2025 season features a packed field, with 42 crews entered in RC2 cars—33 of whom are WRC2 points contenders. Among them, Škoda stands out as the dominant marque, fielding no fewer than 15 entries with its proven Fabia RS Rally2.
Toksport Trio Primed for Podium Push
All eyes are on Emil Lindholm and co-driver Reeta Hämäläinen, representing Toksport WRT, as they aim for a return to the WRC2 podium. The Finnish duo, equipped with Škoda’s formidable Fabia RS Rally2, bring both pace and pedigree to Sardinia, with Lindholm eyeing redemption on a rally that hasn’t always favoured him. “Although I have not had much luck in this rally in past years, I am confident,” says Lindholm. “The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 has proved its competitiveness on rough gravel stages.”
Lindholm’s Toksport teammates are equally motivated. Estonian pair Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo prepare for their second WRC2 points-scoring outing of the season. Though currently outside the top 10 due to limited starts, their potential remains undeniable. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Zaldivar, supported by Italian co-driver Marcelo Der Ohannesian, aims to build on his strong start to the year. With 23 points from two scoring events, the Paraguayan driver sits seventh in the overall WRC2 standings and hopes to climb further.
Škoda’s Strong Sardinian Contingent
Beyond Toksport WRT, a formidable lineup of Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 crews is heading to Sardinia. Roberto Daprà and Luca Guglielmetti, competing under the Delta Rally Team banner, currently hold sixth in the WRC2 standings with 24 points, and are keen to capitalise on home-soil advantage. Fellow Italians will also cheer for the return of the rally base to Olbia on the east coast, a nostalgic shift from recent years in Alghero.
Finland is well represented by Mikko Heikkilä/Kristian Temonen (TGS Worldwide) and Lauri Joona/Samu Vaaleri (MS Munaretto), both bringing pace and experience to Sardinia’s technical gravel terrain. Veteran driver Martin Prokop and co-driver Michal Ernst will fly the Czech flag with a self-run Fabia RS Rally2, while Nikolay Gryazin, though not chasing WRC2 points, is a serious threat for a podium in the RC2 category.
Conspicuously absent is Gus Greensmith, the highest-placed Škoda driver in the current WRC2 standings with 40 points from two events, who will skip Sardinia.
A Classic Test of Endurance and Precision
Rally Italia Sardegna remains one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar. The 2025 edition features 16 special stages spanning 320.24 kilometres, known for their narrow, rock-lined tracks and punishing surface changes. Following Thursday’s shakedown, the rally kicks off with six stages on Friday (120.70 km), continues with another six on Saturday (121.60 km), and concludes with four more on Sunday (77.94 km), culminating in the podium ceremony in Olbia at 16:00 CEST.
Among the stages is the legendary “Lerno – Su Filigosu”, home to the spectacular “Micky’s Jump”, a fan favourite named after stage designer Michele “Micky” Carta. This jump has become a symbol of Sardinia’s rallying heritage, echoing the event’s deep roots that trace back to Rallye Sanremo, Italy’s WRC debut in 1973.
Championship Stakes and Škoda’s WRC2 Strategy
With just five of 14 rounds completed, the WRC2 title race remains wide open. Yohan Rossel (Citroën) leads with 67 points, followed by Oliver Solberg (Toyota) on 60, and absent Škoda star Gus Greensmith on 40. Škoda’s other top contenders—including Daprà, Zaldivar, and Heikkilä—have each amassed more than a dozen points and could shake up the order with strong finishes in Sardinia.
In the teams’ standings, PH Sport (Citroën) leads on 109 points, ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT NG (79 points). Toksport WRT, representing Škoda, sits fourth with 32 points but could mount a comeback with a strong collective showing this weekend.
As Rally Italia Sardegna unfolds, Škoda’s impressive lineup is poised to tackle the heat, dust, and drama of the Mediterranean classic. With podium ambitions, strategic scoring opportunities, and a deep roster of talent, the brand remains a force to be reckoned with in the heart of WRC2.
