Škoda Drivers Pursue WRC2 Championship Points At Rally Italia Sardegna Event

Published: Friday, June 6, 2025, 16:35 [IST]

The FIA World Rally Championship is set to continue with the sixth round, Rally Italia Sardegna, from 5-8 June 2025. This event takes place on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, featuring challenging gravel stages. Among the 33 crews competing in WRC2, 15 will drive Škoda Fabia cars. Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen are among the favourites for a podium finish.

Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 drivers aim to secure top positions in this rally. Toksport WRT fields three teams: Lindholm and Hämäläinen from Finland, Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo from Estonia, and Fabrizio Zaldivar with Marcelo Der Ohannesian from Paraguay. "Although I have not had much luck in this rally in past years, I am confident," said Lindholm.

Fabrizio Zaldivar currently holds seventh place in the WRC2 standings with 23 points from two events. Meanwhile, Robert Virves is preparing for his second points-scoring event of the season. Other Škoda teams include Mikko Heikkilä/Kristian Temonen and Lauri Joona/Samu Vaaleri from Finland, as well as Roberto Daprà/Luca Guglielmetti from Italy.

Rally Italia Sardegna features 16 special stages covering a total of 320.24 kilometres. The event kicks off with a shakedown on Thursday, followed by six stages on Friday spanning 120.70 kilometres. Saturday includes another six stages over 121.60 kilometres, while Sunday concludes with four stages covering 77.94 kilometres.

In addition to Škoda's strong presence, Martin Prokop and Michal Ernst will represent the Czech Republic in their own team. Nikolay Gryazin aims for a podium finish in the RC2 class but is not pursuing WRC2 points. Gus Greensmith, currently the highest-placed Škoda driver in WRC2 standings, will not participate.

Historical Context and Standings

Italy has been part of the world championship since its inception in 1973, initially hosting Rallye Sanremo until 2003. The iconic Sardinia stage "Lerno – Su Filigosu" features "Micky’s jump," named after Michele Carta who designed it. This year’s rally centre returns to Olbia on Sardinia’s east coast.

In the current WRC2 standings after five events, Yohan Rossel leads with 67 points driving a Citroën, followed by Oliver Solberg with 60 points for Toyota. Gus Greensmith holds third place with 40 points for Škoda. In team standings, PH Sport leads with Citroën at 109 points.

The rally promises intense competition as drivers navigate challenging terrain to secure valuable points in their quest for championship glory.