Croatia’s World Rally Championship story does not end here – that was the message from Daniel Šaškin in the summer.
The president of the Croatia Rally organizing committee was right. Unable to land the required level of funding for a WRC round in time, Croatia will run as a European Rally Championship round in 2025 before moving back to the WRC in 2026 and 2027.
WRC Promoter event director Simon Larkin said: “When Croatia Rally joined the WRC in 2021, we knew it would become an instant classic, and it hasn’t disappointed in each of the last four editions. We are delighted to continue this adventure for the next three years across both our championships.
“It will definitely add a new sporting challenge to the ERC, and we think it will appeal to not just our regular ERC competitors, but likely some WRC teams as well.”
Croatia has established itself as one of the most popular events since joining the calendar in 2021
In its statement, WRC Promoter said Croatia would play a vital role in the ERC, saying: “Looking ahead to 2025, the experience gained from Croatia’s four successful WRC editions will play a vital role in setting a new benchmark for organisational excellence within the ERC. Croatia Rally has already been lauded for its sporting, promotional, and entertainment achievements in the WRC, and the 2025 ERC edition will benefit from this proven track record.”
Šaškin was delighted to deliver on his word, adding: “With the support of the Croatian government and our partners, Croatia will host the ERC next year and welcome the WRC back in subsequent years. I also thank WRC Promoter for recognising the quality of our organisation and choosing to continue hosting these motorsport competitions in Croatia. Through our experience and successful organisation, we continue to position Croatia as a motorsport hub.”
Toyota has dominated Croatia’s WRC history, winning all four editions of the event, with Sébastien Ogier taking two wins while Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä have each scored a single victory in Zagreb.
