Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajari, and Oliver Solberg head to Rally Italy Sardinia this weekend, and one of them will become a first-time World Rally Champion. This is a rare moment: not since 2000 has a new champion been guaranteed at the final round, and now three different drivers arrive with a shot at the title.
Historical Three-Way Battles
This isn't the first time three drivers have arrived at the final event with a chance. In 1992, Carlos Sainz (Toyota), Juha Kankkunen (Lancia), and Didier Auriol (Lancia) faced off. Auriol had set a record with six wins that season, but a poor run allowed Sainz and Kankkunen back into contention. Sainz led by two points over Kankkunen and three over Auriol going into the RAC. Auriol retired with a broken spark plug, and Kankkunen hit a rock in Scotland. Sainz controlled the rally to claim his second title by 10 points over Kankkunen, with Auriol 23 points back.
2003: Loeb vs Solberg
In 2003, a four-way fight was expected, but points leader Richard Burns blacked out and withdrew on medical grounds. Carlos Sainz crashed on the shakedown, leaving Sebastien Loeb and Petter Solberg to duel. Loeb, carrying Citroen's hopes for a first manufacturers' title, drove cautiously. But Solberg, with local knowledge for co-driver Phil Mills, beat Loeb by 43.6 seconds to take the title by a single point—the only driver to beat Loeb over a full season.
2018: Ogier, Neuville, Tanak
In 2018, three drivers also arrived in Australia with a shot: Sebastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford), Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), and Ott Tanak (Toyota). Ogier emerged victorious after Neuville and Tanak hit trouble. This shows that three-way finales often end dramatically.
Why 2026 is Special
2026 marks the first time since 2000 that a new world champion is guaranteed at the final round. Evans, Pajari, and Solberg have never won the title. Evans, with more experience, is considered the favourite, but Pajari and Solberg have shown incredible speed all season. Rally Sardinia, known for its rough and dusty stages, will be a mental and technical test.
With three drivers yet to win a title, the pressure will be immense. Whoever can control their emotions and avoid mistakes will write their name in history. Don't miss the action in Sardinia this weekend.
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