Electric Cars

In a significant change for the upcoming World Rally Championship season closer in Sardinia, veteran driver Dani Sordo has announced a new co-driver, Patricia Saiz. This marks a pivotal moment for Saiz as she steps into the top-tier rally event, having previously demonstrated her capabilities alongside Sordo in national competitions. The move signals a fresh dynamic for Sordo's Hyundai team as they aim for a strong performance in what will also be the final outing for the current generation of Rally1 vehicles.

Dani Sordo, a three-time winner in the WRC, will once again be behind the wheel of the third factory Hyundai i20 N Rally1. His decision to partner with Patricia Saiz for the gravel rally replaces long-time co-driver Candido Carrera, who has been with Sordo since 2021. Saiz, at 27 years old, is set to make her World Rally Championship debut, a testament to her growing reputation within the sport.

Before this major career milestone, Saiz had already established a strong working relationship with Sordo. The duo competed together in several national rallies last year, including the Ypres Rally in Belgium. Their joint efforts proved successful, culminating in a fourth-place overall finish and a victory in the RGT class, showcasing Saiz's adeptness in calling pace notes.

When questioned about the change, Sordo highlighted Saiz's strengths, stating, "I did some rallies with Patricia before and she was really good. She’s so clear in the pacenotes, which can help me to be more concentrated and focused in the car." He also acknowledged his previous partner, adding, "I’m sad Candido is not there but we are still in touch and have a good relationship." This indicates a professional transition while emphasizing the competitive advantages Saiz brings to the team.

Looking ahead to the Rally Sardinia, an event Sordo has a strong history with, having won in 2019 and 2020 for Hyundai, he remains optimistic. "I don’t have any secrets, honestly. It’s a rally that I like," he shared, noting the technical and narrow roads suit his driving style. "Sardinia gives me special energy and I hope for the same this year." His primary goal for the event is clear: "The only target we have is to try to win or to be on the podium at least."

Adding a touch of nostalgia, Sordo also expressed his sentiments regarding the Rally1 era's conclusion. "It will be the last round of the championship and also the last round for the Rally1 cars. Honestly, it’s so sad to see the end of the Rally1 era which brought Hyundai Motorsport lots of success." This rally will not only be a test for the new pairing but also a farewell to a significant chapter in WRC history.

Patricia Saiz conveyed her immense gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. On social media, she stated, "The countdown begins and I'm still struggling to swallow it." She described competing at a global level as "the ultimate dream" for those with passion and ambition in rallying. Saiz acknowledged the hard work required to seize such chances, thanking Sordo for his trust. Her commitment to performing at the highest level was evident as she declared, "Now it's time to focus on keeping working. We can and we will fight to the max for the podium."

This upcoming World Rally Championship finale presents an exciting challenge for Dani Sordo and his new co-driver, Patricia Saiz. Their collaboration aims for a triumphant performance in Sardinia, a rally Sordo has previously dominated. With Saiz's precise navigation and Sordo's experience, the team is poised to contend for a top spot, bringing a thrilling close to the Rally1 era and the championship season.

Rally driver Dani Sordo recently announced a significant change to his team for the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) season finale in Sardinia. He will be joined by a new co-driver, Patricia Saiz, a move that has garnered considerable attention. Saiz, who has previously worked with Sordo in national competitions, is stepping up to the premier WRC stage for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Sordo has expressed confidence in his new partner, citing her clear pace notes and focus as key advantages. The team's primary objective for the Sardinia rally is to secure a podium finish, an achievement Sordo has realized twice before on the challenging Sardinian terrain. This event also carries a bittersweet note, as it will be the final appearance of the Rally1 cars, a class that has brought Hyundai Motorsport considerable success.

Patricia Saiz, deeply enthusiastic about her WRC debut, views this opportunity as the realization of a long-held dream. Her journey to this point is a testament to her hard work and dedication in the sport. Following the Sardinia rally, Saiz will continue her collaboration with Sordo at the Rally Legend event in San Marino, further cementing her role within his team. Her ascent to the highest level of rallying underscores the increasing opportunities for talented individuals in the sport, particularly for those who demonstrate exceptional skill and determination. The partnership between Sordo and Saiz highlights a blend of veteran experience and emerging talent, creating an intriguing dynamic for the final WRC round.

Sordo's Strategic Co-Driver Change for Rally Sardinia

Dani Sordo, a seasoned competitor in the World Rally Championship, has opted for a fresh partnership with Patricia Saiz for the final event of the 2026 season in Sardinia. This decision introduces a new dynamic to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 team, as Saiz steps into the demanding role of co-driver for her WRC debut. Sordo's choice is rooted in his prior experience with Saiz in national rallies, where he found her pace notes to be exceptionally clear and her focus unwavering. This precision is crucial in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of WRC, enabling Sordo to maintain heightened concentration. While acknowledging the bittersweet departure of his former co-driver, Candido Carrera, Sordo emphasized the continued positive relationship they share. The switch to Saiz is a calculated move designed to optimize performance and leverage a partnership that has already demonstrated its effectiveness in less competitive settings, preparing them for the intense challenges of the WRC finale.

The Rally Sardinia holds a special significance for Dani Sordo, who boasts two previous victories on its technical and narrow stages in 2019 and 2020. He describes the rally as one he particularly enjoys, citing the unique energy it provides. His personal connection and past successes in Sardinia fuel his ambition for a strong finish this year. With Saiz by his side, Sordo is setting his sights on nothing less than a podium position, aiming to conclude the season on a high note. Beyond the competitive aspect, this rally also marks the end of an era for the Rally1 cars, a class that has been instrumental in Hyundai Motorsport's achievements. Sordo's reflections on this impending change convey a sense of nostalgia for the Rally1 vehicles, recognizing their contribution to the sport and his team's legacy. This final event therefore represents both a new beginning with Saiz and a farewell to a significant chapter in WRC history, imbuing it with layers of emotional and professional importance.

Patricia Saiz's WRC Debut and Future Aspirations

Patricia Saiz's promotion to co-driver for Dani Sordo at the WRC season finale in Sardinia is a landmark achievement, realizing what she describes as "the ultimate dream" for any ambitious individual in rallying. Her journey to the top tier of the sport is the culmination of persistent effort and a deep-seated passion. Saiz's previous experience navigating for Sordo in national rallies, including a commendable fourth-place overall finish and a victory in the RGT class at Belgium’s Ypres Rally, provided her with invaluable preparation and demonstrated her capabilities. This background, coupled with Sordo's trust, has paved the way for her significant step onto the global stage. Saiz's ascent highlights a growing trend of talent rising through the ranks, proving that dedication and skill are recognized and rewarded in the highly competitive world of professional rallying. Her enthusiastic embrace of this challenge underscores her readiness and commitment to excel at the highest level.

Looking beyond her WRC debut in Sardinia, Patricia Saiz is set to continue her partnership with Dani Sordo at the prestigious Rally Legend event in San Marino the following weekend. This continued collaboration indicates a strong and promising future for the pair, suggesting that their co-driver relationship is intended to be a long-term commitment. Saiz's sentiments, shared on social media, reveal her profound gratitude to Sordo for the opportunity and his unwavering trust in her abilities. She emphasizes that such opportunities do not arise by chance, but are earned through consistent hard work and readiness. Her resolute declaration to "fight to the max for the podium" reflects not only her competitive spirit but also her clear understanding of the immense responsibility placed upon her. This commitment, combined with her evident talent, positions Patricia Saiz as a rising star in the rallying world, poised to make a significant impact alongside Dani Sordo.