The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the organizers of WRC Croatia Rally have published the official entry list for the event, which will take place from April 9 to 12. This milestone fifth edition marks a major shift as the rally moves to western Croatia, covering the regions of Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Karlovac and Lika-Senj county, with 51 crews representing 23 nations.
In the top-tier WRC Rally1 category, nine elite crews will compete. Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota) arrives in Croatia at the top of the standings, closely followed by rising star Oliver Solberg (Toyota), already a winner this season in Monte Carlo, and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota), fresh from victory at the Safari Rally Kenya. Hyundai’s challenge will be led by experienced drivers Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux and Hayden Paddon, while M-Sport Ford’s Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong, along with Sami Pajari (Toyota), will also be targeting podium finishes. Croatia represents the first asphalt round of the season after the snow of Sweden and the gravel of Kenya, which could significantly shake up the standings.
Local fans will be especially focused on Croatian crews. Experienced drivers Eris Marotti and Viliam Prodan will represent Croatia in competitive Rally2 machinery (Škoda Fabia), while in Rally4 class the entries include Vjekoslav Čičko (Peugeot 208), Igor Mandić (Ford Fiesta), Igor Tomljanović (Renault Clio) and Tomas Hrvatin (Ford Fiesta).
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“With the release of the entry list, we are officially entering the final phase of preparations. This year presents a unique challenge as the WRC moves for the first time to the Kvarner region and the Adriatic coast, combining mountainous hinterland with seaside stages. We are expecting 20 demanding special stages, and the entry list guarantees a top-level spectacle. We are proud that six Croatian drivers will once again represent us and have the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world”, said Daniel Šaškin, President of the WRC Croatia Rally Organizing Committee.
This year’s edition brings several new features. The ceremonial start will take place on Thursday, April 9, at Korzo in Rijeka, while the service park will be located at the legendary Grobnik circuit. The rally will culminate on Sunday with the finish near the Nehaj Fortress in Senj, for which the drivers will prepare in the center of Novi Vinodolski, while the winners will be crowned at the ceremonial finish in Opatija.
WRC Croatia Rally continues to confirm its status as one of the most-watched sporting events in the country, with television coverage in more than 150 countries. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are once again expected along the stages, enjoying high-adrenaline action set against the stunning backdrop of Croatia’s diverse landscape.
