Angelo Lombardo and Roberto Consiglio, in a Porsche 911 Sc from Group 2, won the 9th Rally Costa Smeralda Storico in 1:36:14.8. The Sicilian driver, who had already won in Porto Cervo in 2021, this time not only won the race valid for the Italian Historic Rally Championship but also—and this is new for 2026—the second round of the FIA Pre-1992 European Championship.

The "Costa"'s debut in the premier international classic car competition was flawless, and the event, organized by AC Sassari with the support of the Region, received very positive feedback and, as emphasized by AC Sassari President Giulio Pes, aims to further improve. Furthermore, despite the retirement of the reigning European champion, Finland's Latvala, in the opening special stage, there was no shortage of excitement. Ultimately, Lombardo-Consigli took the European Championship podium ahead of Britain's Perez-Bowen (who also won the Luigino Podda trophy for the first Lancia) and Pryce-Furniss. Fabio Salis, fifth overall with Garani, while Pietro Pes di San Vittorio of Alghero and Alessandro Frau were the first Sardinian crew, and 11th overall.

Smiderle and Marchi secured second place in the Italian Championship by just 6.7 seconds, putting in a superb performance. Ravaglia and Nalli finished third. Sardinians Casalloni and Figoni finished seventh overall and first. In the Classic Cars category, Lorrai and Mura (Peugeot 106) won, while Zanelli and Zanni took the A112 Trophy. The "Costa Smeralda Storico" also counted towards the Italian Rally Regularity Championship, with Catanzaro and Deiana winning the Media 50 class and Verdona and Verdona in the Media 60 class.

The voices of the pilots

"Latvala is a giant, but after his retirement, I had the goal of taking home the win, and I scored my second win here, this time with European significance. It was a very beautiful and difficult race, two days with no small amount of difficulty, but I thank the mechanics and the Guagliardo team for putting me in a position to win. I think it's one of the best rallies in terms of organization, my compliments," commented winner Angelo Lombardo .