ZAGREB, 24 Sept (Hina) - Croatia will host the Croatia Rally, a race from the European Rally Championship, from 3 to 5 October, marking the event's to Croatian roads after over 12 years, and it will also be an introduction to the return of the world's top drivers and teams in April 2026, when the WRC Croatia Rally will again be held.
"Croatia Rally is the largest sporting event in Croatia, with exceptional importance not only for domestic tourism and the economy, but also for the international promotion of our country. This competition puts Croatia on the map of global motorsport and contributes to strengthening the country's reputation as a destination for top-tier sporting events. In addition to welcoming the greatest rally drivers of today, we especially look forward to the participation of Croatian drivers who inspire future generations and affirm the identity of motorsport in our country," Robert Markt, President of the Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation, said at a press conference in Zagreb.
This year's European Rally Championship brings an extremely exciting title fight. Poland's Mikołaj Marczyk currently leads with 146 points, but under the championship rules, his lowest-scoring round will be deducted, bringing his total down to 133 points. Italian Andrea Mabellini (131) and Irishman Jon Armstrong (113) are his main rivals for the title, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable battle down to the final special stage.
Croatian drivers set to take part in the Croatia Rally include Eris Marotti, Jan Pokos, Martin Ravenščak, Dario Merlić, Marko Fakin, Igor Tomljanović, and Luka Latinović.
"There are 59 crews entered in the European Championship category, including seven from Croatia. We are extremely pleased with the entry list, led by Miko Marczyk from Poland, Andrea Mabellini from Italy, and Jon Armstrong from Ireland, who will all be battling for the European title here in Croatia. However, the number 1 starting position is reserved for Finland's Lauri Joona, a driver with WRC experience. All European Championship categories except Junior ERC are open, so fans can look forward to fierce battles for valuable points. In addition, 20 crews will compete for points in the International Croatian Zone Championship, which will for the first time in history feature a Rally1 car, driven by Adrien Fourmaux, who also holds the Power Stage record," announced ERC Croatia Rally Director Željko Štefanić.
The ERC Croatia Rally will take place across the counties of Zagreb, Karlovac, and Krapina-Zagorje, with the ceremonial start and finish in the City of Zagreb, in front of the INA headquarters building.
