Thierry Neuville took control of Croatia Rally 2026 after a dramatic Saturday afternoon, building a commanding 1:14.5 lead heading into the final day.
The turning point came on stage 14, where overnight leader Sami Pajari suffered a front-right puncture and was forced to stop and change the tyre. From leading by 12.7 seconds, the Finn dropped to third overall, now 1:35.0 behind Neuville. Takamoto Katsuta also hit trouble with a puncture on the same stage but managed to continue without stopping, moving up to second place, 31.9 seconds ahead of Pajari.
Neuville, who had been applying consistent pressure throughout the day, capitalised on the drama and moved into a lead he would not relinquish, benefiting from improved car balance and confidence in challenging conditions.
“It just clicks this weekend,” Neuville said. “The car was from the beginning feeling better than on the other rallies and step by step we were able to improve it at the beginning of the event and now we have something I am more or less comfortable with, and we were able to fight with the other guys. The conditions are very challenging and somehow we were able to go at a good speed. The most important is to feel comfortable in the car. If you don’t you can’t do anything. This weekend I really feel good in the car and I’m enjoying it.”
Hayden Paddon holds fourth despite a puncture, while Adrien Fourmaux retired earlier in the day after an off that caused heavy rear damage, although he is expected to restart on Sunday. In WRC2, Yohan Rossel climbed to fifth overall, with his brother Léo Rossel moving into the category podium amid issues for several rivals.
Oliver Solberg showed strong pace after restarting, setting multiple fastest times despite punctures, while Elfyn Evans and Jon Armstrong also returned following earlier retirements.
Sunday’s deciding leg takes crews into Lika-Senj county on entirely new stages, with the rally concluding in Opatija and the final Power Stage set to decide bonus points in what remains an unpredictable fight for victory.
