The rally was due to start on Friday 4 June 2010 with a single special stage in Cagliari, Sardinia, but this was cancelled.

Saturday consisted of six special stages covering a total of 112.16 km (69.69 mi) on gravel roads all run in daylight.

Sunday saw a further 106.54 km (66.20 mi) daylight gravel stages with the finish in Porto Cervo.

The leading four drivers in the championship standing were all confirmed for the event and in addition to this the Italian champion Paolo Andreucci and WRC star Sébastien Ogier also took part.

Defending series champion Kris Meeke and Guy Wilks, two of Hänninen's other title rivals both crashed out of the event.