The WRC and the FIA are keen to offer more varied event formats going forward, which could see more compact sprint events and longer endurance rallies become part of future championship calendars. The flexibility of event formats was among a raft of proposals tabled by the FIA as part of its vision for the future of rallying in February.
To test the waters, Sardinia will trial a sprint format this weekend which will see the entire event completed within 48 hours. In recent years WRC events comprise 300km or more in competitive stage kilometres and can run across four days. This weekend organisers have compiled a 16-stage 266.12km route, instead of the 19-stage 320.88km gravel road itinerary utilised last year.