Opening night start ceremony and super special stage in south coast town of Cagliari kicks off new-look route.
The second day takes competitors to well-known stages in scenic hills and undulating forests south of Olbia.
Saturday’s leg returns to the same area, before ending with two tests near Sassari in the north. It’s a HUGE day with 188.50km of stages, including two passes of the 59.70km Monte Lerno.
Sassari stages are repeated on the final day, as well as two runs over a new stage near Alghero.
Challenge
Fast but narrow roads lined with bushes, trees or rocks right on the edge leave no room for error.
Hard base roads covered by a sandy surface, which is swept away during the first pass to leave rougher and rutted conditions for the second run.
Thin layer of slippery gravel on the surface disadvantages early starters in the opening leg.
Temperatures approach 30°C so it will be uncomfortable in the cars with higher than normal stress on engines and transmissions.
Car spec
Gravel suspension.
Drivers raise the ride height for rutted roads during the second pass of stages.
Hard and soft compound tyres available.
History
Italy’s WRC counter was formerly a mixed surface event based in Sanremo, and known as the Rally of the Flowers when it was first held in 1928.
It formed part of the WRC from the championship’s beginning in 1973.
Michèle Mouton became the first and only woman to win a WRC round when she triumphed in 1981.
The rally moved to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia in 2004.
What’s new for 2014
West coast town of Alghero replaces Olbia as the base and location for the service park.
The island’s capital, Cagliari, welcomes the rally for the first time. Thursday’s start and opening stage will be held there after which cars will be transported back to Alghero. Oschiri hosts a remote service during the opening leg.
Two stages have been combined to form the massive 59.70km Monte Lerno. Could this be the longest stage of the 2014 season?
Don’t miss
The spectacular Micky’s Jump in the Monte Lerno test. The road literally falls away beneath the car and it’s one for the brave and fully committed…….
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