The organizers of Rally Croatia have announced that they’ve managed to acquire government guarantees mandatory to arrange for a return to the World Rally Championship.
The asphalt event made its WRC debut in 2021, quickly becoming an everyday host for 4 editions of the event before losing its place on the 2025 calendar.
In July, the 14-round WRC calendar for 2025 was announced, with three recent rallies added, and the Canary Islands, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia joined the schedule.
The WRC organizer was in talks to renew its contract with a three-year contract in mind, however the Rally Croatia organizers did not secure support and guarantees from local authorities.
Plan “B” assumed organizing a round of the European Rally Championship in 2025 and attempting to secure a spot on the WRC calendar for 2026 and 2027. This was also uncertain because the federal government delayed sending the suitable documents.
However, rally organizers have announced that the long run of the rally has been secured and a brand new contract with the WRC organizer is predicted to be agreed.
Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo: McKlein / Motorsport Images
In an official statement, the organizers said that “all mandatory documentation has been collected for the organization of the European Rally Championship (ERC) and the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Croatia in 2025-2027. In the approaching days, the contract shall be officially signed and an agreement between the Croatia Rally organizers and the WRC promoter shall be expected, after which preparations will begin.
Daniel Saskin, chairman of the organizing committee of the Croatia Rally, said: “In 2025 we’re moving the European Rally Championship to Croatia, followed by the return of the WRC Rally of Croatia in 2026 and 2027. We would really like to thank all institutions for his or her support, especially the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which appreciated the worth of this motor sports event for Croatia.
“From today, together with the WRC promoter and our local partners, counties and municipalities, we are starting negotiations regarding the preparation and implementation of the event. We would like to thank the city of Zagreb and the Croatian Automobile and Karting Association for their continuous support, such important partners in these events.”
The WRC organizer, which can also be accountable for the ERC, continues to be working on next 12 months's schedule, which should include eight rounds, including the Welsh Rali Ceredigion.
