Dani Sordo explains co-driver change for 2026 WRC finale

Three-time WRC rally winner Dani Sordo has explained the decision behind a co-driver change ahead of the 2026 World Rally Championship season finale in Sardinia. Driving the third factory Hyundai i20 N Rally1 entry on the gravel rally, Sordo will team up with navigator Patricia Saiz.

The event marks the 27-year-old navigator's WRC debut, taking over note-calling duties from Candido Carrera, who joined Sordo in 2021. Saiz previously called notes for Sordo in selected national rallies last year, including Belgium's Ypres Rally where the pair finished fourth overall and won the RGT class. Sordo noted that Saiz's clear pacenotes help him stay focused inside the car, while confirming he remains on good terms with Carrera.

Sordo, who previously won Rally Sardinia for Hyundai in 2019 and 2020, praised the technical and narrow roads of the event and set a target to win or finish on the podium. The rally represents the final round of the championship as well as the last event for Rally1 cars.

Following the finale, Saiz will co-drive alongside Sordo again in the i20 N Rally1 at the Rally Legend event in San Marino next weekend. Saiz thanked Sordo for the opportunity, describing competing at a global level for an official team as her ultimate dream.