2007 Rally Italia Sardinia - Preview

Sardinia Preview

While the base remains in Olbia, organisers have again made big changes to the route. Fifty-two per cent of the competitive distance is new, including more than half the opening leg and all the final day. The exclusive coastal resort of Porto Cervo again hosts both the start and finish ceremonies. The opening leg is the longest and covers traditional territory south of Olbia in the Nuoro region. The second leg is essentially the same as 2006, covering more inland tests in Gallura and including the spectacular 'camel humps' jump on the Monte Lerno stage. The final day heads west and north of Olbia for tests around Tempio Pausania and Arzachena. All three legs comprise three stages used twice and the 18 stages cover 342.86km in a route of 1061.84km.

1. BP-Ford

2. Citroen Total

3. Subaru

4. OMV Kronos Citroen

5. Stobart M-Sport Ford

6. Munchis Ford

1. BP-Ford

As the FIA World Rally Championship approaches the halfway point, reigning champion and current leader BP-Ford faces what most regard as two of the toughest events of the season in just three weekends. Round seven of the 16-event series takes the team to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia for Rally d'Italia Sardegna (17 - 20 May), a gravel rally which ranks among the most abrasive and demanding of the year.

Marcus Gr