A rock prologue to the Sardegna Rally Race

The winding, narrow and rocky route of the prologue was a prelude to what awaits the participants of the Sardegna Rally Race over the next three days. Sebastien Souday was the fastest rider in the quads category. Kamil Wiśniewski arrived at the finish line just behind him, followed by Rafał Sonik on the third place.

‘I love racing at Sardegna! I’ve driven many, many kilometres here, and each and every one of them brings me incredible joy. No matter if this is a World Cup race or not, this rally is a great challenge. You can’t learn it by heart. You have to be really cautious,’ said the three-times winner of the race held at this Italian island. And he was right – it was only during the first kilometres that he had to navigate very carefully.

‘Sardegna always surprises us. You can encounter rocks or a boulder on the road behind every turn. That’s how it was today, and this is how it will be in the upcoming days. We are in for a labyrinth of small rocky roads – and we partly drive, and partly jump, looking for the optimum way around. The rider who is most patient in looking for the best solution will be in the lead,’ said Rafał Sonik.

Quads with a larger gap did better during the short prologue. Sonik’s Yamaha 450, which he chooses every year, is quite light. This will be an asset in the upcoming days, when the riders will need to cover over 200 km of mountain routes every day. In theory, Kamil Wiśniewski might have more problems out there, but the six-times winner of the World Cup has no doubts about his race partner.

‘Kamil does here very well on Sardegna, I have never had the feeling that he lacks skills, drive, or the will to fight. Despite the weight of his quad, he will be very fast here,’ he emphasized.

On Sunday, the riders will have 230 kilometres ahead of them on their way to the south, to Arborea, where they will take two nights of rest before the Tuesday’s marathon stage.

Results of the prologue:

1. Sebastien Souday (FRA) 5.17
2. Kamil Wiśniewski (POL) + 0.06
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) + 0.29