Less then one month prior to the Ceremonial Start 2023 edition of Croatia Rally was announced at the Press Conference at INA building. The Entries deadline has passed and it is clear that three World Rally Champions France's Sebastien Ogier, Finland's Kalle Rovanpera and Estonia's Ott Tanak will be competing each other at 20 Special Stages.
"I think we are about to have uncertain rally. With five drivers on top of the Championship standings within only 12 points dividing them, so very interesting fight will occur in Croatia. Our story is growing and looking really good. Major events in Croatia have had challenges in recent years, but we believe that this year we are heading for a more stable time. The number of spectators can only grow and we are preparing for that. We hope that year after year we will grow more and gather even more fans of motorsport", said Daniel Šaškin, president of the organizing committee of the WRC Croatia Rally.
Last year, according to the professional study of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb, WRC Croatia Rally has generated consupmtion of over 105 million euros, with more than 310 thousand spectators who followed the competition on site. The data indicate that this is one of the most promising sports events in Croatia and the region, whose contribution to the development of the tourist offer and the promotion of Croatia in the future can only grow further.
"WRC has achieved many benefits for the Croatian economy and sports, and we are trying to use the great media reach to promote other valuable organizers and athletes in our system. At the same time, our numerous officials learn directly from the world's best officials and create an even better and safer environment for the development of sports in our country", commented Davorin Štetner, president of the Croatian Auto and Karting Federation.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Josip Pavić has praised Croatia Rally, pointig out: "Everyone would be glad if there were more and more such events. We know how many domestic and foreign spectators are attracted to this event and we are pleased to say that the people in the WRC Croatia Rally are role models for others in organizing such events. The co-financing agreement is valid this year and the next one, so we will definitely use this event in the tourism development strategy."
Couple days ago, applications for volunteers were closed. They are making major contribution to the event and as in previous years, the interest was significant and many fans of motorsports from all over Europe are coming forward. Several applications came from distant countries such as the USA and Japan.
