Poland’s Miko Marczyk is the new FIA European Rally Champion, sealing the 2025 crown with third place on a dramatic Croatia Rally. Ireland’s Jon Armstrong delivered a dominant victory for M-Sport Ford, while Norwegian veteran Mads Østberg celebrated his 300th rally start with second overall. Team MRF Tyres added to the celebrations by clinching the ERC Teams’ title, with Tymek Abramowski and Calle Carlberg taking the ERC3 and ERC4 honours.
The final day was shaped by heavy overnight rain that made the closing stages – Veliko Trgovišće – Klanjec (13.61 km) and Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec (14.24 km) – slippery and unpredictable. Marczyk, who had struggled badly on Saturday and ended the day in sixth, rebounded strongly. He attacked with renewed confidence on Sunday morning, while rivals Mille Johansson, Norbert Maior, and Robert Virves all hit trouble. By the start of the final loop, Marczyk had climbed to third, a position that all but guaranteed him the championship if he stayed there.
Armstrong, meanwhile, had been in command from the opening day, winning five of Saturday’s six stages. He added victory on the Power Stage to complete a dominant Croatia Rally performance. However, with Marczyk safely in the top three, Armstrong’s maximum score wasn’t enough to deny the Pole the title.
In the support categories, Calle Carlberg completed a dream season in ERC4, sweeping all 10 stages in Croatia with his Opel Corsa Rally4 and adding the overall class title to his Junior ERC crown. In ERC3, Poland’s Tymek Abramowski overcame late suspension problems and an off-road moment to secure the season title in his Ford Fiesta Rally3.
Østberg’s podium in second place was a fitting way to mark his 300th rally start, with the Norwegian delighted by both the result and the warm reception from the fans.
At the finish line, Marczyk was visibly emotional: “I don’t know what to say because it was quite a lot of emotions, but it’s important to trust in the process. It’s probably my biggest dream in my sport life. When I was 15 years old, I started indoor karting, and then I decided to go rallying... Thank you to everyone, my sponsors and Michelin tyres. I can just say that I’m happy, but I’m still under the stress to not make any fault.”
Armstrong, gracious in defeat, praised his own season: “It’s been an amazing year and so many people to thank. Shane (Byrne, co-driver) and me have been doing a really good job. What an event! To be fastest in the Power Stage, we couldn’t do much more.”
The Croatia Rally finale provided the perfect closing act for the 2025 ERC season – a showcase of speed, drama, and resilience on some of the world’s most demanding asphalt stages.
