Here's the thing about late entries in rallying: they completely scramble the board right when everything is supposed to be locked down. A late reshuffle of the entry has changed the complexion of the WRC3 battle in Alghero, with Royère added to the field following the withdrawal of Tymek Abramowski.
That makes the Frenchman one of the most experienced WRC3 contenders in the revised line-up, bringing some seriously proven form behind him. Royère began his season in style by claiming victory at Rallye Monte-Carlo and returned to the podium in Paraguay, where he finished runner-up to Nataniel Bruun after three demanding days on the South American event's red-earth stages.
There is also a little bit of nervousness, but I will try to do everything in the best possible way.
Those results have helped Royère to sixth in the championship standings heading into the finale, and another strong result in Sardinia would provide a fitting end to his campaign alongside Maxime Andernack in their Ford Fiesta Rally3.
There will, however, be significant home interest in Alex Lorenzato. The Italian makes his FIA World Rally Championship debut this week alongside Nicolò Lazzarini, also driving a Fiesta Rally3, as he takes the next step in a promising domestic campaign. For Lorenzato, Sardinia represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“Running in the WRC is every child's dream and it's not something you can take for granted,” he said ahead of the event. “There is also a little bit of nervousness, but I will try to do everything in the best possible way.”
The WRC3 title itself has already been settled in favour of Matteo Fontana. The Italian secured a second consecutive crown before Sardinia and will use his home round to move up the rallying ladder, making his WRC2 debut in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside Alessandro Arnaboldi.
