In swapping four wheels for two, Stephane Peterhansel confirms his participation in the Sardegna Rally. The event, which marks the third round of the 2012 FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship, 23-28 June, will no doubt become an even greater interest as one of the sport’s legends competes against the new generation of rally riders.

With a list of competitors confirmed that already includes KTM’s Marc Coma and Cyril Despres, plus Yamaha’s Helder Rodrigues and the Husqvarna pairing of Joan Barreda and Paulo Gonclaves along with Chilean Francisco Lopez, Peterhansel’s entry ensures that this year’s race in Sardinia will be one to watch.

However, the ten times Dakar Rally winner is not just out to “make up the numbers” and in preparation for the event has already begun training with Andrea Mayer in order to be well prepared for the race.

For the new recruits of rally, racing together with a legend of the sport will be an honour but also one that they will determined to beat. Whether Peterhansel can record a top result remains to be seen but regardless of the outcome, his iconic name among the entry list is sure to keep race interest high.