Tänak Wins Sardinia Rally in a Tight Finish

Ott Tänak secured victory at Rally Italia Sardegna after Sébastien Ogier faced a tire issue in the final stage. Driving a Hyundai i20 N, Tänak achieved his first win of the season, capitalizing on Ogier's mishap in the last stage, as Ogier aimed for his third consecutive win in the World Rally Championship.

Ogier, who led by 6.2 seconds before the final stage, finished 0.2 seconds behind Tänak after suffering tire damage. This result ties the closest margin of victory in WRC history, recorded at the Jordan Rally in 2011.

Tänak, who won his last rally in Chile last year, was humble in his triumph, recalling a similar incident he suffered in 2019 at the same venue. "It’s a good feeling, but obviously I feel sorry for Séb. Losing a win like this is cruel, and I have been in the same position a few years ago."

Dani Sordo completed the podium with another Hyundai, helping the Korean brand maintain the lead in the constructors' championship. Sordo, who initially faced issues, climbed positions as other drivers faced difficulties. Thierry Neuville, Sordo’s teammate, saw his podium chance slip away after going off track in SS8, but managed to retain the lead in the drivers’ series thanks to points earned in Super Sunday.

Elfyn Evans, driving a Toyota GR Yaris, finished fourth, reducing Neuville’s championship lead from 24 to 18 points. Both Evans and Tänak now share the same score.

Grégoire Munster, young Puma driver, finished fifth, rewarded for his consistency. His M-Sport Ford teammate Adrien Fourmaux raced up to third before retiring due to an electrical failure.

The WRC2 machinery completed the remaining top 10 positions, with Sami Pajari, driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, winning in his category and finishing sixth overall. Yohan Rossel, Jan Solans, Martin Prokop, and Kajetan Kajetanowicz completed the following positions.

The WRC drivers now prepare for the ORLEN 80th Rally Poland, returning to the series for the first time since 2017 and taking place from June 27 to 30.