Dani Sordo Explains Co-Driver Change for WRC Season Finale in Sardinia

Three-time WRC rally winner Dani Sordo has explained the reasons behind changing his co-driver 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 is teaming up with new navigator Patricia Saiz. The move marks the 27-year-old's WRC debut as she takes over pacenote calling duties from Candido Carrera, who had been in the role since 2021.

While stepping up to the WRC presents a new challenge, Saiz previously called notes for Sordo in selected national rallies last year, including Belgium's Ypres Rally where the pair finished fourth overall and took victory in the RGT class. Sordo explained that Saiz's clear pacenotes help him stay more focused inside the car, while expressing sadness over Carrera's absence while maintaining that they remain in good contact.

Having previously won Rally Sardinia in 2019 and 2020 for Hyundai, Sordo stated that his target is to try to win or at least secure a podium finish. The event marks the final round of the championship as well as the last outing for the Rally1 cars. Following this week's competition, Saiz will again sit alongside Sordo in the i20 N Rally1 for the Rally Legend event in San Marino next weekend.