Croatia will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026 and 2027, following the signing of a three-year agreement that will also see the country host an FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) round in 2025.
The agreement reaffirms the commitment that started when Croatia first joined the WRC in 2021 and underscores the country’s ongoing role as a key destination for world-class motorsport events.
The contract was announced by Simon Larkin, senior director of events for WRC Promoter GmbH, and Daniel Šaškin, president of the Croatia Rally Organising Committee, in the presence of Croatia’s Ministry of Sports and Tourism State Secretary, Josip Pavić, and Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation president, Robert Markt.
Since debuting in the WRC in 2021, Croatia Rally has quickly established itself as a standout fixture, with high-speed stages that challenge crews on asphalt surfaces ranging from smooth to badly broken. The event’s inclusion in the 2026 and 2027 WRC calendars further cements its position as a key Tarmac rally in the future mix of the WRC.
Looking ahead to 2025, the experience gained from Croatia’s four successful WRC editions will play a vital role in setting a new benchmark for organisational excellence within the ERC. Croatia Rally has already been lauded for its sporting, promotional, and entertainment achievements in the WRC, and the 2025 ERC edition will benefit from this proven track record.
What the officials said
Simon Larkin: “When Croatia Rally joined the WRC in 2021, we knew it would become an instant classic, and it hasn’t disappointed in each of the last four editions. We are delighted to continue this adventure for the next three years across both our championships. It will definitely add a new sporting challenge to the ERC, and we think it will appeal to not just our regular ERC competitors, but likely some WRC teams as well. We’d like to thank the Croatian Government at all levels – led by Sports Minister Tonči Glavina – as well as Daniel Šaškin, the President of the Organising Committee, for their unwavering support of this project.”
Daniel Šaškin: “With the support of the Croatian government and our partners, Croatia will host the ERC next year and welcome the WRC back in subsequent years. I also thank WRC Promoter for recognising the quality of our organisation and choosing to continue hosting these motorsport competitions in Croatia. Through our experience and successful organisation, we continue to position Croatia as a motorsport hub.”
Robert Markt: “This agreement and these events are crucial for Croatian motorsports and have lasting benefits for the economy and Croatia’s reputation as a premier sports destination.”
Josip Pavić: “As a former athlete, I am extremely proud to be part of a government that recognises and supports sports, including major events like the WRC Croatia Rally. This is indeed a major event, not only due to its significance for motorsports in Croatia but also due to its economic impact on the host destinations. WRC Croatia Rally brilliantly combines sport and tourism to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.”
See more at wrc.com