Croatia will once again host the world's best rally drivers in 2027! The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has officially confirmed the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar for 2027, placing the WRC Croatia Rally in April as the fourth round of the season.
This keeps the Croatia Rally at the very pinnacle of world motorsport during a milestone year that introduces the new WRC27 technical era and marks the championship's return to key global markets.
The upcoming season will feature 15 events across five continents. Among the biggest additions are the return of the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside the debut inclusion of Rally d'Italia.
A Traditional Spring Date on Croatian Tarmac
The 2027 season kicks off traditionally with Rallye Monte-Carlo, followed by the snow-covered Rally Sweden and the demanding Safari Rally Kenya. From the African gravel, the WRC caravan moves to Croatia, where the world's top drivers will compete on Croatian asphalt from April 8 to 11.
In recent years, the Croatia Rally has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging tarmac events in the world championship. Fast and narrow sections, frequent rhythm changes, unpredictable grip, and zero room for error make the Croatian stages a unique test for crews. Returning to its traditional spring date in April will restore the event's iconic atmosphere and deliver high-stakes competition.
"As announced, the 2027 WRC Croatia Rally returns to its traditional April slot. We look forward to welcoming the world's best drivers and major WRC teams back to Croatia. Following the spectacular finale of this year's championship and Elfyn Evans' victory, I believe another extremely exciting season lies ahead. We are particularly pleased by the continued growth of global interest in the WRC and the fact that the BBC is joining the broadcasters covering the championship, giving Croatia an additional opportunity for promotion in one of our most important tourism source markets," stated Daniel Šaškin, President of the WRC Croatia Rally Organising Committee, adding:
"We are working intensively to secure the future of the Croatia Rally beyond 2027 as well. Discussions are currently underway regarding a new three-year cycle from 2028 to 2030, and by October 12 we need to confirm our readiness and intent to continue organizing the Croatia Rally during that period. We are in the final stages of talks with the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport—one of the most key partners of this event—and we trust that together we will create the prerequisites for Croatia to remain part of the WRC calendar in the next cycle as well."
A Global Calendar Across Five Continents
The 2027 calendar presents a highly diverse mix of surfaces, locations, and challenges. Following Croatia, tarmac events continue in the Canary Islands and Japan, followed by gravel in Greece. Rally d'Italia will draw special attention in its inaugural WRC appearance, followed by established fixtures in Estonia and Finland.
A major highlight of the season will be WRC’s return to the United States. Rally US will take place from August 26 to 29, marking the first WRC event on American soil in 39 years—since 1988. The championship also returns to the United Kingdom with Rally Scotland (September 30 – October 3) for the first time since 2019. The season concludes across South America and the Middle East with rounds in Paraguay, Chile, and Saudi Arabia.
A New WRC Era Begins in 2027
Alongside the refreshed calendar, 2027 ushers in one of the most significant technical shifts in recent championship history. The new WRC27 technical regulations take effect, aimed at reducing competition costs, increasing field depth, and creating opportunities for new manufacturers and independent constructors.
“2027 represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the World Rally Championship, and this calendar reflects our ambition to build a stronger, more accessible and truly global championship. Returning to the United States and United Kingdom, alongside bringing the WRC to an iconic destination such as Rome, creates tremendous opportunities for our manufacturers, commercial partners and fans. Combined with the introduction of new technical regulations, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the WRC, attract new investment and bring the excitement of rallying to more people around the world.", said Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter.
“Our vision is to build a championship that combines the unique sporting challenges of rallying with world-class events capable of engaging audiences around the globe. This calendar reflects that ambition, with a diverse mix of events, surfaces and destinations across five continents. Working closely with our organisers and partners, we want to continue raising the standard of our events and delivering an exceptional experience for fans, competitors and stakeholders.”, said Julien Vial, COO of WRC Promoter.
“The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar reflects the strong momentum behind the WRC, with new events in the United Kingdom and Italy strengthening the Championship in countries with a proud rallying heritage, while the United States gives us an exciting opportunity to grow in a country where interest in rallying continues to rise. “With the introduction of the WRC27 technical regulations, a new promoter thanks to the deal of the century that will bring long-term investment and ambition to the championship, and a strong global calendar, the future of rallying is extremely bright.”, said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.
Far More Than a Sporting Event
The WRC Croatia Rally has rapidly become one of Croatia's flagship international sports events. Its inclusion in the 2027 calendar reaffirms Croatia's standing among top European rally destinations while providing a powerful platform to promote Croatian tourism, economy, and global reputation.
