Croatia‘s rallying tradition in the World Rally Championship (WRC) doesn’t end—it just continues to evolve. After financial challenges, Croatia will step up a gear and host a round of the European Rally Championship (ERC) in 2025 before making a grand return to the WRC in 2026 and 2027. This temporary step is seen as an opportunity to help the Croatia Rally organizers further consolidate their reputation in European motorsport, as emphasized by Daniel Šaškin, President of the Croatia Rally Organizing Committee.
“When the Croatia Rally joined the WRC in 2021, we knew it would become an instant classic,” said Simon Larkin, WRC Promoter event director. He stressed that Croatia’s presence in the ERC would bring fresh competition for the ERC drivers and potentially attract WRC teams, adding: “It is a new sporting challenge, both for the regular ERC drivers and for will be appealing to WRC teams.”
Since joining the WRC calendar in 2021, Croatia has become a fan favorite and an integral part of rallying. The WRC promoter praised Croatia for its sporting and promotional success and noted that the event set high standards in organization and fan engagement. In 2025, Croatia’s experience from four successful WRC editions will enhance the ERC and set a benchmark for excellence in competition.
Šaškin expressed his pride in fulfilling the promise to bring the WRC back to Croatia with the support of the Croatian government and other partners. “Through our experience and successful organization, we continue to position Croatia as a center of motorsport,” he said, underlining Croatia’s commitment to motorsport.
Toyota drivers have left their mark on Croatia’s WRC history with the team winning all four editions. Sébastien Ogier took two wins, while Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä secured a win each at the challenging Zagreb track.
As Croatia prepares to temporarily join the ERC, fans and competitors alike can look forward to the nation’s return to the WRC, carrying on a rallying legacy that only continues to grow.
