Dani Sordo has explained the reasons behind a surprise co-driver change ahead of the 2026 World Rally Championship season finale in Sardinia, opting to team up with navigator Patricia Saiz.
The 27-year-old navigator is set to make her WRC debut this week, taking over Sordo's note-calling duties from Candido Carrera, who has held the role since 2021.
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SubscribeWhile stepping up to the top tier offers a major challenge, Saiz previously called notes for Sordo in selected national rallies last year, including a successful outing at Belgium's Ypres Rally.
"I did some rallies with Patricia before and she was really good. She is so clear in the pacenotes, which can help me to be more concentrated and focused in the car," Sordo stated regarding the change.
WRC Debutant Patricia Saiz Shares Her Ultimate Dream
Sordo emphasized that despite his sadness over parting ways with Carrera for this event, his previous successful experiences with Saiz give him high confidence going into the Sardinia gravel rally.
WRC debutant Patricia Saiz has expressed immense gratitude to Dani Sordo for the opportunity, describing the step up to rallying's top tier as the ultimate dream.
"For those of us who feel passion and ambition for this sport, competing at a global level is the ultimate dream," Saiz shared on social media regarding her monumental career milestone.
"I feel very fortunate to be here, but I also know that opportunities don't come alone: there is a lot of work behind it to be able to seize them when they appear," she added.