The agreement reaffirms the commitment that started when Croatia joined the WRC in 2021 and underscores the country's ongoing role as a key destination for world-class motorsport events.
It was signed by Simon Larkin, Senior Director of Events for WRC Promoter GmbH, and Daniel Šaškin, President of the Croatia Rally Organizing 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 the ERC calendar was restructured into the format recognisable today in 2004, Croatia has hosted the European championship on seven occasions. Between 2007-2012, Croatia Delta Rally was a popular ERC counter prior to Croatia Rally hosting the action in 2013 (pictured below).
After joining the WRC trail in 2021, Croatia Rally quickly established itself as a standout fixture, with high-speed stages that challenge crews on asphalt surfaces ranging from smooth to rough and uneven. The event’s inclusion on 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.
“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,” enthused Simon Larkin, Senior Director of Events for WRC Promoter. “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.”
He added: “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 expressed his thanks to the Croatian Government and all stakeholders, saying: “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 also highlighted the lasting impact of the partnership: “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.”
*Croatia Rally’s on the 2025 ERC calendar and the WRC calendars in 2026 and 2027 is subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council approval. The ERC calendar for 2025 will be published in due course.
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