The 2025 World Rally Championship continues with its sixth round, the Sardinia Rally in Italy from 5-8 June, and one name is once again in the headlines: Kalle Rovanperä. The two-time world champion made a shocking statement after the Rally Portugal in May 2025 that has left rally fans and experts in awe. Rovanperä, who has dominated gravel roads in his career with 13 of his 16 WRC victories, called Sardinia “the worst race on the calendar” for him. His frank comments, in which he expressed his distaste for the island’s challenging roads, have raised expectations and speculation about his performance in the 320.08-kilometre special stage event.

The Sardinia Rally, known for its narrow, rocky and hot roads, has been exceptionally difficult for Rovanperä. His results in the main category from 2020 to 2023 speak for themselves: a retirement, 25th place, fifth place and third place. He missed the event last season to focus on a partial World Championship programme, but in 2025 he returned to the full series to pursue a third championship. At the Rally Portugal, where he finished third, Rovanperä lamented the lack of grip of the Hankook tyres on gravel and predicted Sardinia would be a “long week”. “There was no test in between and Portugal was already difficult. I can only imagine what will happen in Sardinia,” he told Autosport.

Rovanperä’s comments reflect the honest and straightforward nature that has made him a fan favorite. He is not afraid to admit his weaknesses, but at the same time his determination shines through. At the Canary Islands Rally in April 2025, he dominated the asphalt stages, winning 15 out of 18 special stages, but gravel surfaces, especially those like Sardinia, have been his Achilles heel. The transition to Hankook tires has brought additional challenges, and Rovanperä has been openly critical of their performance on gravel. “We need clear rules and better grip. In Sardinia, it is even more important because the roads are so unpredictable,” he told MTV News.

The Sardinia Rally program is relentless: 16 special stages over four days, totaling 320.08 kilometers, will test the endurance of the drivers and the reliability of the car. The race starts on Thursday with a ceremonial start in Alghero, and four special stages will be run on Friday. Saturday is the longest day with eight special stages, and Sunday concludes with four stages, including the Power Stage. TV broadcasts can be followed on Yle Areena and C Morella, which offer live broadcasts of all special stages. Friday’s opening will be shown on Yle TV2 from 12:00 to 15:00, and Sunday’s Power Stage will be broadcast from 11:00 to 13:00.

Rovanperä’s challenges in Sardinia are not limited to the track. Accusations from competitors of illegal technologies after the Canary Islands Rally, which were dismissed by the FIA, have added to the pressure. Rovanperä dismissed the accusers as “jealous liars” but is now focusing on the race. Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala believes Rovanperä can surprise. “Kalle has learned a lot from Hankook tyres. Sardinia is difficult, but he is stronger than ever,” Latvala said. Rovanperä’s diverse experience, including F1 testing with Red Bull and the Dubai 24 Hours, has honed his driving skills, but Sardinia’s heat and rocky roads will test his patience.

In X, fans are divided: some consider Rovanperä’s comments honest, such as “Kalle speaks frankly, I respect him!” Others fear that his pessimism could affect his performance. “If he hates Sardinia, why doesn’t he skip it?” one user asked. However, Rovanperä is aiming for points, as he is second in the World Championship, 30 points behind Elfyn Evans. The victory in the Canary Islands gave him confidence, but Sardinia requires a flawless ride.

Rovanperä’s call for clear rules, particularly on race length and safety, resonates with other drivers. The FIA’s decision to warn Toyota about technical innovations in the Canaries suggests that Rovanperä’s car is being closely monitored. Still, his talent and determination make him a dangerous opponent. Rally Sardinia may be his “worst race”, but Rovanperä’s history shows that he can turn adversity into victory. As the season continues, his fight for a third championship will keep the rally world on edge – and Sardinia could still surprise.