Asphalt instead of gravel: the Italian WRC round is leaving Sardinia and will be held in and around Rome from 2027
From 2027, the Italian round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) will no longer be held in Sardinia, but in the Lazio region, centered on Rome. This has been confirmed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the WRC promoter, and the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI).
Sardinia will once again host the Italian WRC round next year, which will take place on gravel roads around Olbia from October 1 to 4. From 2027, the rally will then move to asphalt roads in and around Rome. The new concept includes special stages in the Lazio region. This also includes a spectacular stage near the Colosseum. The contract is initially valid until 2030. The change follows a new five-year agreement between ACI and the WRC promoter. Sardinia will instead become part of the European Rally Championship (ERC) from 2027. Since 2004, the Mediterranean island has hosted a World Championship round every year with the exception of 2009. In the meantime, the Rally Monza also represented Italy in the WRC calendar in 2020 and 2021 during the Corona pandemic.
The Rally Rome, previously established as Rally di Roma Capitale in the ERC, will remain in the European Championship for the time being next year before being revamped for its promotion to the World Championship. Additional special stages are planned for the future, as the rally center was previously located in Fiuggi, around 90 kilometers east of Rome.
WRC promoter sporting director Simon Larkin explained: “We are convinced that this agreement represents the best way forward for the future of rallying in Italy. The postponement to 2027 gives us the time we need to work with the FIA to prepare the event optimally and make it a success from the outset.”
ACI Commissioner Tullio Del Sette added: “The agreement with the FIA and WRC Promoter is a fundamental step for rallying in Italy. We are proud to have secured a five-year agreement that guarantees stability and lays the foundation for long-term development. We would particularly like to thank the region of Sardinia for its many years of support, as well as the region of Lazio, which will be our partner in the capital in the future.”
