The grand finale of Croatia Rally 2026 is here – and it all comes down to the decisive Power Stage. After three days of relentless competition, the spotlight shifts to the final 14.56 kilometres that will seal the outcome of round four of the FIA World Rally Championship season.
Thierry Neuville stands on the brink of victory. The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver holds a commanding lead and, if he makes it through the final stage cleanly, will claim his first Croatia Rally win – and his first triumph of the season. It would also end Toyota’s unbeaten streak in Croatia and deliver a major boost for both Neuville and his team.
But the Power Stage is never just a formality.
This is a test that punishes mistakes, starting with a worn and broken asphalt section through the forest, followed by fast, flowing open roads, before a demanding downhill charge to the finish with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The descent puts extra strain on brakes and concentration, where even the smallest error can make the difference.
And there’s more at stake: bonus points for the top five fastest drivers (5-4-3-2-1), ensuring an all-out push to the very end.
"The one who keeps the throttle down the longest and makes it down the mountain without trouble will win,” said Oliver Solberg, who has dominated Sunday morning and currently leads the Super Sunday standings.
Last year’s winner Jon Armstrong highlighted the uniqueness of the stage, describing it as faster and more flowing than typical Croatian tests, with a series of downhill sections and technical corners leading all the way to the coast.
In the overall standings behind Neuville are Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari, while Hayden Paddon and Yohan Rossel are also pushing for a strong finish - with Rossel on course for a potential WRC2 victory.
The Wolf Power Stage is scheduled to start at 13:15 local time, and one thing is certain - no matter the gaps, the final kilometres of Croatia Rally will deliver drama, speed and spectacle.
