Everything is ready in Olbia to welcome the convoys of cars and motorcycles that will spark a series of sensational races, aiming to win the FIA and FIM world titles. The ACI Sport Italian Cross Country Championship finds a stage of rare beauty and vastness to test the credentials of the contenders for the 2026 title. The outcome is uncertain.
May 13, 2026 - Excitement is palpable between sky and sea, as you arrive in Sardinia by plane or boat, with all the possible variants of wings and hulls. Today, most of the competitors will be traveling to Olbia, the base of operations for the Sardegna Rally Raid, a "challenge event" combining two- and four-wheel competitions. Two races are scheduled that only intersect at the bivouac: the Italian Motorally Championship (with 300 participants) and a candidate event for the World Rally Raid Championship, with motorcycle categories (valid for the European Moto Baja Championship), car categories (Italian Cross Country Championship), and a Dakar-inspired Classic, with "strong" regularity and a more touring version. The avid spectator will be spoiled for choice, the competitors will have a surplus of adrenaline to carve out a place as protagonists, and the professionals – including those in communication – will have to navigate a roaring circus.
With the ACI Sport Italian Cross Country Championship in mind, a stage of rare beauty and vastness will be held, where the contenders for the 2026 championship and the Group titles will be tested after the Spring aperitif, the Artugna Race with record numbers of participants and surprises at the last minute.
The outcome of the Sardegna Rally Raid is certainly uncertain: two days of stressful competition for the crews and their vehicles, in Dakar style thanks to Tiziano Siviero, with constant changes of pace to maintain concentration and enjoyment. The road map is treacherous: the Sardinian forests are a "splendid labyrinth" where it's easy to get lost. The adventure also includes discovery, without giving too much away.
This is the schedule leading up to the start: today, the press conference in the Giunta hall in Olbia (11 a.m.); Tomorrow, the distribution of plates and race numbers will take place at the Olbia Archaeological Museum (from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM), the technical checks at the Brin pier in Olbia (from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM), the private test at Cabu Abbas in Olbia (from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM), the start of the City Parade from the Rally Raid Village in Olbia (7:00 PM), the publication of the list of verified and admitted participants (7:30 PM), the general briefing and welcome dinner at the Rally Raid Village (8:00 PM).
Last but not least, there are 43 entries in the Italian Cross Country Championship, a significant increase compared to last year's race in Sardinia. The strong momentum of the Artugna Race, the new CI2C-branded course, and the magnificent challenge in Gallura have convinced the crews to take on a demanding, yet extremely rewarding, trip!
Italian Baja Press Office
