Croatia Rally returns with major route overhaul
The Croatia Rally returns to the World Rally Championship calendar this season, moving its base from Zagreb to the historic Grobnik Circuit in Rijeka. The event features a significant shake-up, with more than 75 percent of the route being new to competitors. Over three days, crews will navigate 20 stages covering 300km, stretching from the Adriatic coast into the highlands, where they will face rapid elevation changes and notoriously variable weather conditions.
Elfyn Evans enters the event leading the drivers' standings, holding an eight-point cushion over Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Oliver Solberg. Despite a retirement in the previous round, Evans maintains his championship lead as the series shifts to asphalt. The Welshman acknowledged the difficulty of the transition, noting that the move toward the coast introduces significant unknowns regarding road surfaces and grip levels.
Toyota holds a commanding lead in the manufacturers' championship, with Takamoto Katsuta arriving in strong form following his maiden WRC victory. Meanwhile, Hyundai looks to close the gap with Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville, while Hayden Paddon joins the manufacturer for his event debut. The entry list also features M-Sport Ford’s Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean, both of whom will look to navigate the technical, narrow roads that characterize the updated itinerary.
