Oliver Solberg set the fastest time in the Croatia Rally Shakedown (2:17.7), marking a strong start as the event returned to the FIA World Rally Championship after a one-year absence. The rally is now based in Rijeka and features a largely new and untested route, attracting strong fan support.
“It’s very important to have some really racing conditions to learn the car for all these rallies, that will be important to get up to speed,” Solberg said. “But it’s the first time in proper dry conditions like this, very different, that’s for sure, especially from Africa to this. But the feeling is not so bad, I’m happy.”
Takamoto Katsuta finished second, followed by Thierry Neuville in third, who gained confidence ahead of the weekend. Championship leader Elfyn Evans placed fourth, noting the technical challenges of the dry tarmac stage.
Other notable performers included Adrien Fourmaux, Hayden Paddon, and Sami Pajari.
In the WRC2 category, Eric Camilli set the pace ahead of Nikolay Gryazin and Roberto Daprà, with Andreas Mikkelsen fourth., while Roope Korhonen fresh off a Quattro River Rally win reported a “weird noise” near the stage finish.
The action now shifts to Rijeka’s Korzo, where the Ceremonial Start will take place at 19:40 local time, officially launching the competitive weekend. On Friday, crews head west into Istria for the opening leg, beginning with the 14.12-kilometre Vodice–Brest stage at 09:13.
