Croatia Return Signals New Phase in WRC Title Battle
The return of the Croatia Rally marks a pivotal moment in the FIA World Rally Championship, as the 2026 season shifts into a crucial new phase with its first full asphalt event of the year.
After a one-year absence, Croatia Rally is back with a bold transformation. The event relocates from Zagreb to the coastal city of Rijeka, with the iconic Grobnik Circuit serving as its base. Known historically for hosting the Yugoslavian Grand Prix, the circuit now anchors a rally featuring more than 75% new stages compared to its 2024 edition.
Evans Leads the Charge
Championship leader Elfyn Evans arrives in Croatia with 66 points, holding an eight-point advantage over Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Oliver Solberg. Takamoto Katsuta, fresh off his maiden WRC victory in Kenya, sits just three points further back, intensifying the title fight.
Driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, Evans has a strong history in Croatia, including a win in 2023 and a near victory in 2021. Despite a setback in Kenya, where he recorded his first retirement in 19 rallies, he salvaged valuable points to maintain his championship lead.
Evans acknowledged the uncertainty of the revamped event, particularly with its coastal stages and evolving grip levels. The transition to asphalt — and a sequence of upcoming asphalt rallies — adds another layer of complexity for teams fine-tuning performance and strategy.
Strong Contenders Line Up
Solberg remains a serious threat despite misfortune in Kenya, while Katsuta’s confidence is soaring after his breakthrough win. Hyundai’s charge is spearheaded by Adrien Fourmaux, who secured a podium finish in Kenya, alongside Thierry Neuville, still chasing a long-awaited victory in Croatia.
Hayden Paddon adds depth to Hyundai’s lineup, making his debut at the event, while Toyota’s Sami Pajari arrives in strong form with consecutive podiums.
Meanwhile, M-Sport Ford fields Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean, with Armstrong returning to familiar territory after success in Croatia’s ERC finale, albeit on entirely new stages this year.
A New Challenge Awaits
The rally kicks off on Friday, covering 20 stages and 300km across the scenic yet demanding regions of Istria, Karlovac, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar. Drivers will face narrow, technical roads, constant surface changes, and unpredictable weather — especially on high-altitude stages like Platak, rising over 1200 metres above sea level.
With Friday’s action in Istria, a remote service in Karlovac on Saturday, and a dramatic coastal finale on Sunday — highlighted by the new Alan – Senj Wolf Power Stage — Croatia Rally promises to test every aspect of driver skill and team strategy.
As the championship battle tightens, Croatia’s return could prove to be a defining moment in the 2026 WRC season.
