Tänak won the event on the Italian island in 2024 by just 0.2 seconds over Sébastien Ogier. Many consider the Estonian one of the top favourites to win again this year.
He already turned his season around in the previous round in Portugal. Without technical issues, Tänak would likely have taken the win there — but it slipped through his fingers, with Ogier ultimately emerging victorious.
Tänak has experienced both triumphant victories and bitter disappointments in Sardinia. Overall, though, the rally has often suited him well. He even jokes that his connection to the island might run deeper than most.
“I’m born on an island, and maybe island life brings some good energy. I don’t know. The rally here is always very demanding. It’s not an easy rally. I would also say it’s not an easy rally to enjoy, really, because it’s always rough,” Tänak said ahead of the rally.
“You always need to look after the car while at the same time trying to push to make good times. So it’s a very difficult one to find the balance. But we’ve managed in the past. The car has been working, and hopefully it will this year too,” he continued.
The conditions in Sardinia are once again proving challenging. Scorching heat is forecast for Friday, with temperatures expected to climb well above 30°C – and it gets even hotter inside the rally car. According to Tänak, there’s no real way to prepare.
“We know it’s going to be hot. So, if it’s hot, I mean, you just need to manage and survive. So… yeah. Stay alive,” Tänak remarked.
Friday’s opening leg features six special stages. One in particular has drawn attention: the 18-kilometre Telti – Calangianus – Berchidda stage. Some believe it could decide the outcome of the rally, but Tänak disagrees.
“No, it’s not going to be a defining stage. Yes, the first part is super fast – lots of straights. Normally on straights, the time differences shouldn’t be too big,” Tänak said.
However, he did acknowledge that the stage stands out from the rest.
“But definitely the loose is there, and it’s very different to every other stage – with very, very long corners, super narrow sections, and some narrow bridges. So yeah, it has its own personality. But I would say the new demanding stages are on Sunday,” Tänak predicted.
