WRC Croatia 2026

[jcevc]

So, after a year of absence, WRC Croatia will be back in 2026 - 2 weeks earlier and with a pretty big changes.

Service park will be on racetrack Grobnik, cca 30 km from coastal town Rijeka (street Korzo), where start and finish will be located - Rijeka already hosted ERC in some of editions.
Special stages on Friday (8) around city Karlovac (area known from previous editions), other two days (8 and 4) special stages will be held in region of Gorski Kotar and peninsula Istra (ERC 2013 for example was held in Istra).
In case of unstable weather conditions we can see the most extreme cases - from the sun on the sea side of mountain Učka to the snow in Gorski Kotar (already happened 2023 or 2024).

This are unofficial info, so wait a little bit for official confirmation :)

[Dimitris]

Massive shame that Zagorska Sela is out of the rally :(

[Morte66]

If this is confirmed, I'll be very glad to hear it. I have enjoyed the various ERC/WRC Croatia rallies.

[jcevc]

Rally Guide 1 is out for some day already and moving the service zone and area of special stages is confirmed.

[ik1911]

Rally Guide 1 is out for some day already and moving the service zone and area of special stages is confirmed.

Shakedown somewhere on Island Krk!

[WRCStan]

Not exactly the easiest place to get to. Flying to Rijeka or Pula, even from London, looking at 40 hours trip each way with 2 stops. Quicker to drive. Zadar airport just as pointless, so options are Trieste or Zagreb, probably flying from London with 3 hours driving either end. Not looking likely tbh.

[Managarium]

Zagreb - Rijeka is 1,5 hour drive. You can drive faster on Croatian highways. Limit is 130 km/h but if you drive 150 km/h you shall have 0 problems with police.
On Croatian highways is 10 % tolerance of speed, which means if you drive 143 km/h you are legal. But you can go faster. The highway police is dealing with 200+ km/h drivers.

Also, there is highway by the Zagreb airport and you have direct connection to Rijeka and Pula, if you want to drive.
But you can also take a flight from Zagreb to Rijeka (which has an airport on island Krk) and Pula.

[Steve Boyd]

Not exactly the easiest place to get to.
Often a problem with "holiday" destinations out of season. If the event was a month or two later you could fly direct from LGW or LTN.

[Steve Boyd]

Not exactly the easiest place to get to.
Often a problem with "holiday" destinations out of season. If the event was a month or two later you could fly direct from LGW or LTN.

[WRCStan]

I looked at Zagreb but once I chose an indirect flight from an unreliable German airline that has cancelled flights on me in the past, I was given 11 different prices to choose from. I lost interest then, because it's all these little add-on nuisances that kills me wanting to go anywhere, and I didn't even begin to look at getting to the airport which even charges to get dropped off at by a friend; then hiring a car, somewhere to stay, ESTAs. Tourism industry and the regulators think I'm cattle, they can only blame their selves for making it an ordeal and not a joy. I'm glad I got to travel when I did without all this what-should-be-unnecessary shit.

Little rant over, here's something useful: Trieste Airport might as well be in Venice btw, and there's some dirt cheap direct flights going daily to the Venice airports from the UK for anybody who wants the drive.

Edit, bringing this into context: is travelling to see WRC/this rally worth it(?)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Fly into Venice...

[GigiGalliNo1]

And also... you don't require an ETIAS until the end of 2026.

[Managarium]

Here you go...
Noe exactly location but;
Friday - Istria
Saturday - Primorje - Gorski Kotar County, between Rijeka and Karlovac
Sunday - Lika - Senj County
https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/wrc-se-vraca-u-hrvatsku-ovoga-puta-bit-ce-na-drugim-lokacijama-20260120

[Managarium]

Here you go...
Noe exactly location but;
Friday - Istria
Saturday - Primorje - Gorski Kotar County, between Rijeka and Karlovac
Sunday - Lika - Senj County
https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/wrc-se-vraca-u-hrvatsku-ovoga-puta-bit-ce-na-drugim-lokacijama-20260120

[WRCStan]

If shakedown is near Grobnik I hope that Balde Fucka (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ul.+Balde+Fućka+50,+51000,+Rijeka,+Croatia/) gets involved.

The powerstage finish looks interesting, not sure how it's going to finish at the fortress with the town and main road.

[Managarium]

https://i.postimg.cc/cHMpf0Vq/626511736-18405764551131579-6600806091851693505-n.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Q9CY3G8S)

[Lect3R]

Back in 2024 I made maps for watching positions for Croatia Rally and with popular request I again made watching positions for stages that will be in Croatia Rally this year.
"Sadly" only 3 stages from this year has been driven before with wrc cars so I only included those since there is no data on other stages as they're brand new to the wrc.
Total of 128 locations with on-site video footage from each position how wrc car passes by that corner. Locations are properly named to represent how a corner looks like, also color coded to represent real average speed going through location corner as well. Red=180kmh+, dark orange 180-150, bright orange=150-120, yellow=120-90, dark green= 90-50 and bright green=under 50kmh.
To makes things easier I made quick little website to speed up process rather than dming me here. Website link: https://rallyspectator.bgng.io
On the website is also a free map that will showcase how maps exactly look like.

[WRCStan]

Official website talks of tickets being available via Eventim (https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators). No further information. What is ticketed or supposed to be ticketed, anybody know?

[deephouse]

Two years I was in Kumrovec for PS, and it was ticketed on some spot, where there was food, drinks, and a big screen with RallyTV action on it. Right there where Fourmaux clip the anti-cut device with Puma. Then I was going on finish line (where the old abandoned hotel was and podium spot. That place was not ticketed. So I assume that it will not be all ticketed even this year.

[wwbroe]

Back in 2024 I made maps for watching positions for Croatia Rally and with popular request I again made watching positions for stages that will be in Croatia Rally this year.
"Sadly" only 3 stages from this year has been driven before with wrc cars so I only included those since there is no data on other stages as they're brand new to the wrc.
Total of 128 locations with on-site video footage from each position how wrc car passes by that corner. Locations are properly named to represent how a corner looks like, also color coded to represent real average speed going through location corner as well. Red=180kmh+, dark orange 180-150, bright orange=150-120, yellow=120-90, dark green= 90-50 and bright green=under 50kmh.
To makes things easier I made quick little website to speed up process rather than dming me here. Website link: https://rallyspectator.bgng.io
On the website is also a free map that will showcase how maps exactly look like.

I tought shakedown was supposed to be on the island KRK?

[ik1911]

I tought shakedown was supposed to be on the island KRK?

Shakedown is near Service park between Saršoni and Trnovica ( 3,44 km)

[Managarium]

Maps, route of rally

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13R08CrtH5H1Q4aeZToSrmczho1oHkA8&ll=45.04805364840437%2C15.49969795416564&z=9

[WRCStan]

Maps, route of rally

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13R08CrtH5H1Q4aeZToSrmczho1oHkA8&ll=45.04805364840437%2C15.49969795416564&z=9

SS17/19 not tying in with the recce route, is it official?

[becher]

Maps, route of rally

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13R08CrtH5H1Q4aeZToSrmczho1oHkA8&ll=45.04805364840437%2C15.49969795416564&z=9
Ah thanks!

[TypeR]

Ogier gave up title chase already?
Not in entry list
https://ewrc-results.com/event/96258-croatia-rally-2026/entries

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier gave up title chase already?
Not in entry list
https://ewrc-results.com/event/96258-croatia-rally-2026/entries

I think he doesn't want to be beaten to the Title by Solberg.

[PLuto]

Full entry list to Croatia - http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=28948

I am disappointed that no new competitor arrived to JWRC.

[doubled1978]

Ogier gave up title chase already?
Not in entry list
https://ewrc-results.com/event/96258-croatia-rally-2026/entries

I don’t think it’s about the title, it’s about wins. Croatia will be very tough to win from 6th on the road with Evans first.
Canaries, road position won’t matter and the subsequent gravel rallies will be good for him lower down.

[ik1911]

Ogier gave up title chase already?
Not in entry list
https://ewrc-results.com/event/96258-croatia-rally-2026/entries

A Loos To the Competition!

[ik1911]

Link on 2026 Croatia Rally Special Stages Maps
From Official Pages!

https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators/special-stages-maps

[ik1911]

Link on a few watching spot from Shakedown & Power stage!


https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_rc/albums/72177720332557806/


Shakedown is technical and dangerous downhill (especially if raining!)

[Managarium]

WRC Croatia Rally 2026 | Shakedown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-gdDXaF8fI

[WRCStan]

It's going to be an exhausting rally for spectators who aren't mountain goats.

[WRCStan]

Maps, route of rally

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13R08CrtH5H1Q4aeZToSrmczho1oHkA8&ll=45.04805364840437%2C15.49969795416564&z=9


SS17/19 not tying in with the recce route, is it official?

Was different BTW. Don't ruin your Sunday!


Link on 2026 Croatia Rally Special Stages Maps
From Official Pages!

https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators/special-stages-maps

[Dimitris]

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-stage-previews/2026/croatia-rally-2026-route-preview

Μy Croatia Rally route preview. Some of the new stages are really cool, but others like Ucka... meh, not for me

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think he doesn't want to be beaten to the Title by Solberg.

Ogier was jaded before Monte but better by Safari. He says he's looking forward to fighting with Solberg...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogiers-admission-about-his-2026-season/

[GigiGalliNo1]

Snow?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Snow?

Was some on the PET of Evans & Katsuta.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I hope none, gotta pack and fly from Australia hah so take snow/warm clothing (?) or not! :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://rallyjournal.com/toyota-wrc-star-caught-in-a-crazy-situation/

In practice, the risk of snow is concentrated on one stage in Platak, where the route climbs to over 1,000 metres above sea level...

[TypeR]

Snow tyres(10x no studs) have been added to choice :D

[PLuto]

https://i.imgur.com/wwu4t1Jl.jpeg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

After Latvala hyped them up, Wheatley brings Hyundai expectations down...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-we-wont-show-our-full-potential-in-croatia/

[PLuto]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HFUOHEJXIAgLmFZ?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HFUOHD-XIAMAJF-?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HFUOHEgasAAxTVb?format=jpg&name=small

[PLuto]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HFZIzMJXkAA1M3Y?format=jpg&name=small

[PLuto]

https://i.imgur.com/EIp2IYtl.jpeg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg fastest on the first two runs of Shakedown. Pretty good for his first dry tarmac in the Rally1 car.

[PLuto]

Video from shakedown: https://www.youtube.com/v/5dusIv_6mHI

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But if you want to see the actual action watch a fan video...

https://youtu.be/uQhOWh6tD00?si=o7Lg1_VarO8ES5c4

[Rallyper]

Morning! Here we go!

[Eli]

Oliver crashed!!!
damn, I knew it wasa mistake putting him first in the pickems….2026 just isn’t my year…

[Rallyper]

What Oliver need to learn, is that you don´t win the rally already on first stage.

[focus206]

No lucky escape for Oliver this time. Without Ogier this weekend, it was a good chance to pull away from him in the standings...

[Sal yet again]

Had a gut feeling this event was were he would learn a lesson and appear to have been proven right! Not feeling smug as never want anyone to get hurt but wont be a bad thing for him in the long run.

[Rallyper]

Quite big understear before

[Eli]

Wonder seeing how the Lancia will fair on the dry tar…

[Kenneth]

Any video of the crash?

[jonkka]

Wonder seeing how the Lancia will fair on the dry tar…

Fare.

[CeskyOndra]

This will be boring and easy for Evans without Solberg

[TypeR]

Ugh Oliver.. ended basically only excitement already on ss1.. Evans now steady cruise till the end, can't really see anyone beating him..

And once again, without proper rally2 experience there is no pace in rally1. Jon with very good pace vs McErlean

[Eli]

Fare.

yeah sorry, my bad, haven’t woken up fully…they seem to fare just fine with Gryazin (at least up until now) fastest.

[jparker]

Is it just me thinking that those deep wide cuts are not the fastest trajectory?

[jparker]

Wonder seeing how the Lancia will fair on the dry tar…
They are back in business, I think.

[archie106]

Pajari and Fourmaux punctures, SS2 looks horrible with all the cutting, second run is going to be very messy.

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux and Pajari should've changed the puncture. This is a risk

[CeskyOndra]

E: Pajari's alert was wrong

[archie106]

Possibly, but it is also a fairly short stage so a difficult choice to make, Pajari hasn't lost too much time.

[jonkka]

What is going with Armstrong? Faster than Evans on splits...

[archie106]

Soft tyres + Armstrong did win Rally Croatia last year in the ERC so he is fast here

[Rallyper]

What is going with Armstrong? Faster than Evans on splits...

Going on softs.

[Rallyper]

Going on softs.

Which now might punish him...

[240RS]

Soft tyres + Armstrong did win Rally Croatia last year in the ERC so he is fast here

Lets give Jon Armstrong his due: he is a BIG step up on recent M-Sport recruits, Martins Sesks aside.

[jonkka]

Yeah, tyre delaminates... Hankook...

[rage82]

What is going with Armstrong? Faster than Evans on splits...

Driving fast?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport made some changes too to compensate for loss of hybrid unit....

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-adjusts-its-rally1-spare-wheel-position/

[Walach]

Solberg crash from the outside
https://youtu.be/NJrHh6AXzaE?is=dAPymTdlJkAHFiXZ

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A shame for all those getting punctures, but especially Armstrong when he was showing such good speed and was in podium position. But at least his pace is being proven and the M-Sport car being capable.

[meh]

Taking into account the start list in the RC2 field, Jürgenson winning stage 2 by 4.4 sec is mighty impressive.

[macebig]

What??? Both Toyotas out by Stage 3...

[Eli]

Evans out!!!! could we see a Hyundai tarmac win for the first time since CER 2024??

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Noo wow !!

[CeskyOndra]

What the.... HELL??

[focus206]

Wrong note by Scott or misheard note by Elfyn?

[TypeR]

Oh well Evans...

Ogier laughs a bit and opens wine...

Scott said many times ,,loose maybe loose maybe''

[Eli]

This change of location is great, giving me some Corsica’esque vibes…I like!! more or that please! Surely this rally will be on next year’s calendar.

[denkimi]

Is it just me thinking that those deep wide cuts are not the fastest trajectory?
Maybe not. But the first drivers see their chance to pollute the road for those behind, and those behind have no choice but follow the clean line.

[Eli]

This change of location is great, giving me some Corsica’esque vibes…I like!! more or that please! Surely this rally will be on next year’s calendar.

More of that*

[Kenneth]

Will Taka be able to get championship lead?

[archie106]

Looks like either a mistake on the recce or a miscalled pacenote? Big shame for Elfyn and Scott

[focus206]

So Elfyn misunderstood the note?

[denkimi]

Weird crash from evans. Almost looks like something was broken before

[CeskyOndra]

Idk guys, Scotty said "3 left and then 3 right" that right was surely not the same angle as the previous left. Must've been bad call or bad pacenote.

[meh]

Weird crash from evans. Almost looks like something was broken before

Probably no, he was screaming the misbelief "3" for the corner, we will hear soon from them, was it a miscall from notes or was it a mistake from recce in the notes.

[jparker]

Well, the way things are going, Taka will become champion this year. The "Richard Burns way".

[Rallyper]

Oh well Evans...

Ogier laughs a bit and opens wine...

Scott said many times ,,loose maybe loose maybe''

Guess Oliver is a bit relieved also...

[jonkka]

Well, the way things are going, Taka will become champion this year. The "Richard Burns way".

Rather bold prediction after 3 and half events out of 14.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Arghh Jon so close to stage win !

[Myrvold]

Rather bold prediction after 3 and half events out of 14.

Hey now. Evans had already won this rally easily when Solberg went off on SS1. So the Katsuta-prediction is late in relative terms! :P

[focus206]

Big chance for Pajari to win his first event. Would have been a great chance for Fourmaux, if it wasn't for that puncture...

[Rallyper]

Why did Evans push so hard. You could see he wasn´t like backing off on SS3.

[rallyfiend]

Still a long way to go and both championship leaders out.

This could be an interesting couple of days!

[meh]

Nice to see that M-Sport can fight at least with Hyundai for the stage win. We don't have anyone pushing with Toyota to know where they actually are.

[jparker]

Rather bold prediction after 3 and half events out of 14.
That was rather disappointment statement, not actual prediction :)
But at the same time, when was the last time we lost all top contenders in two rallies in a row.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why did Evans push so hard. You could see he wasn´t like backing off on SS3.

He was probably trying to take maximum advantage of his (clean) road position and build up a gap. After this morning the roads will be dirty and punctures more of a risk for him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh well Evans...

Ogier laughs a bit and opens wine...



This is why he didnt come here with his road position on the dirt.

Can you imagine him with all the (Hankook) punctures ...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC2 Mikkelsen puncture now. What a lottery.

[jparker]

Wow, Yohan Rossel 6 sec faster than anyone else in WRC2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg properly upset. Good to see the emotions.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow, Yohan Rossel 6 sec faster than anyone else in WRC2.

And Jurgenson was up 6 places to 3rd on the previous stage !

EDIT - up to 2nd now after SS3 !!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong @JonArmstrong84

0.1s off the fastest stage time !

Despite missing a big chunk of aero, we were just a fraction of a second away from our first stage win… it’s coming !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ah no, another puncture for Jon. :(

He was off hitting the kerb, looks more damage and could be out of tyres. FFS.

[Rallyper]

Ah no, another puncture for Jon. :(

Drivers error, though.

[jonkka]

What are they looking under the seats?

[jparker]

Ah no, another puncture for Jon. :(

He was off hitting the kerb, looks more damage.
Not really. Just whet off the road.

[CeskyOndra]

This rally is hitting hard, wasn't expecting 3 drivers to retire on Friday morning

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong @JonArmstrong84

0.1s off the fastest stage time !

Despite missing a big chunk of aero, we were just a fraction of a second away from our first stage win… it’s coming !

Hero to zero. Gutted for him.

[jparker]

That renovation work on the right lane, it changes the perception of the normal racing line. Probably caused the Jon's off.

[meh]

Hint for everyone - if you follow "the maps (https://webapps2.wrc.com/2020/web/live/live.html)", it seems to have inconsistent signals and I have already many times wondered if a car is stopped or not.

[Morte66]

I was working this morning, and I came home and thought "let's sub rally.tv to watch Evans, I'll just catch up on the forum..."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I was working this morning, and I came home and thought "let's sub rally.tv to watch Evans, I'll just catch up on the forum..."

If you're not watching stuff always happens.

[jonkka]

Forum site is unavailable half of the time.

[WRCStan]

Forum site is unavailable half of the time.

It's time to pull the plug of the life support machine for this site.

See you all around.... maybe.

[jonkka]

Where, I wonder. Reddit r/wrc is full of decrepit people who know nothing about anything.

[Rallyper]

Forum site is unavailable half of the time.

No problem today at me. You just can´t leave because of that?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Even the other Toyota's are beating the Hyundai's pretty easily.

[becher]

Ahh I just like tarmac roads like this!

[denkimi]

Even the other Toyota's are beating the Hyundai's pretty easily.

even armstrong was beating hyundai. All those years and all that money, and they produce a pig of a car year after year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

even armstrong was beating hyundai. All those years and all that money, and they produce a pig of a car year after year.

Someone on my stream says Neuville is improving the balance for 12 years... :D

[flat_right]

Has there been any news from Evans that was it too fast pacenote or did Scotty call a wrong pacenote?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ah no, Romet losing time :(

Rear puncture.

[jparker]

Has there been any news from Evans that was it too fast pacenote or did Scotty call a wrong pacenote?
Evans just said on RallyTV that "they are going to keep that issue between themselves".
But yeah, looks like Scott's error.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Someone on my stream says Neuville is improving the balance for 12 years... :D

Ironic...

Neuville stage win: "That's nice. I said to Martjin that it was a good stage when we crossed the finish line, because I felt like I was not struggling with the balance."

[focus206]

Thierry's pace with this iteration of the i20 depends on the nature of each stage, other than if he finds the setup or not

[denkimi]

Someone on my stream says Neuville is improving the balance for 12 years... :D
I still wonder how many titles he could have won if he hadn't stayed at the village team all those years.

[COD]

Evans just said on RallyTV that "they are going to keep that issue between themselves".
But yeah, looks like Scott's error.

Strange thing is that Scott seemed a bit off pace allready on SS2 (there was a comment from Elfyn on incar).

[meh]

Seems that Jürgenson likes the stage, again, stage win by some margin. Pity to fall in O/A standings due to the puncture on the last stage.

[becher]

Strange thing is that Scott seemed a bit off pace allready on SS2 (there was a comment from Elfyn on incar).

Maybe he's under the weather a bit?

[becher]

It is early days, but could this finally the year for Neuville here?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It is early days, but could this finally the year for Neuville here?

Maybe if all stages were Beram - Cerovlje ;)

[COD]

Maybe he's under the weather a bit?

Was thinking the same

[CeskyOndra]

I dont think it's ideal for Pajari to be leading overnight. The pressure knowing that you have the worst road position whole Saturday is always huge. Let's see how will he handle it

[jparker]

It's strange, two Lancia cars are leading WRC2, but we didn't see much of them on RallyTV today.
At least we saw in full length how Skoda drivers are changing tires.

[becher]

It's strange, two Lancia cars are leading WRC2, but we didn't see much of them on RallyTV today.
At least we saw in full length how Skoda drivers are changing tires.
Found the seeding strange as well but it's in championship order and the two favourites ate way down the order.

[jparker]

Found the seeding strange as well but it's in championship order and the two favourites ate way down the order.
Yeah, that's true, but after SS7 there was time for two more cars. Instead, they decided to show us some nice watches :)
If you are "promoter", I guess it up to you to promote whatever you want.

[becher]

Yeah, that's true, but after SS7 there was time for two more cars. Instead, they decided to show us some nice watches :)
If you are "promoter", I guess it up to you to promote whatever you want.

Well this topic comes up again every now and then. Most of the time there is a logistical reason why the need to interrupt the coverage between two stages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It was also a shame hardly to see Jurgenson, especially when he was winning his two stages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Millener lauds Armstrong pace and his off was unlucky...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-lauds-armstrongs-pace-despite-croatia-crash/

[Rallyper]

Clear statement from Oliver at finish... both speedwise and in words.

[focus206]

You can tell Neuville has to make way more corrections than the Toyotas...

[CeskyOndra]

Armstrong is so good on tarmac

[Rallyper]

McE stopped. Small fire or smoke in cabin.

Edit: Now at finish, but problem is unknown.

[EstWRC]

Yeah. Jon has been a really nice surprise so far but he has to learn to keep it also on the road

Also credit to Pajari, I was very critical to him last year but he has definitely upped his game this season and very nice to see that.

Hyundais still nowhere despite updates

[trykmann]

So Taka goes for another win? :D

[trykmann]

It's also seems the cars in Rally2 seem to be quite on the same level. Interesting when there are 5+ guys going for the stage win.

[RS]

It's also seems the cars in Rally2 seem to be quite on the same level. Interesting when there are 5+ guys going for the stage win.

Indeed, the competition seems to be who can avoid the punctures.

[Rallyper]

stage already started, but RallyTV isn´t on it yet...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another good time by Jon, very impressive pace.

[becher]

What a moment for young Rossel!

[becher]

Fourmaux out, ripped of the rear left maybe.

[deephouse]

I wanted to go on event today, but we had to remove some trees around my house, just to check it out I don't missed anything on this event. This year seems is all about survival everywhere, since there are always only 3-4 cars without SR on timetable (of Rally1 cars).

Few years ago you can watch whoever you want but they restriced this to whom they want you to watch, and then they need to move to next stage and coverage stop for that stage. Why don't bring that back? Surely they can't blame that on costs, since there are no side cameras on stages anymore and back then they were and a lot of them. It's just probably someone from office of whole business is probably very hungry and rather take more money in his pocket while telling that it's impossible. That's just story novadays of tightening the belts.

Lancia doesn't deserve their return into the sport with practically nothing on them. That's not how the promotion should be done, but was lately anything promoted right? I just hope they will not despair.

What if Pajari could surprise us all and will fight for title and Solberg will not? And Katsuta in mix? Evans is doing worse than ever lately. Ogier will have another chance?, maybe.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Armstrong 3rd fastest. He's really mixing it with the top guys here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bah, puncture when his splits were on pace.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Crazy dirty road on SS14. Armstrong nearly off.

[jonkka]

And Pajasi loses lead. Puncture.

[Eli]

Can we drop Hankook and go back to Michelin please? Also at this pace, Lancia will be on the podium.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A joke this...

[Eli]

I like this stage but please can we drop Hankook?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville leads now. That's what it takes for Hyundai.

[focus206]

Thierry with a good lead now, but it only takes one puncture or an understeer on the dirt, it's far from over.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Roope, that was lucky !

[EstWRC]

I thought Hyundai will score no wins this year and only a couple of podiums but here we are second rally in a row where Toyota guys are making presents for them

[Humber]

I thought the FIA did not like mixed surface stage rallies? Or is gravel on the top of tarseal considered to be one surface?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Come on Jon let's have the stage win, this is a good chance.

[becher]

Real shame about yesterday, even with the puncture today a podium wouldn't have been impossible for him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another Top 3 time. Cant complain at that.

[deephouse]

Where does Hankook tires perform well again? Nowhere. Are those the shittiest tyres in history of WRC?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Where does Hankook tires perform well again? Nowhere. Are those the shittiest tyres in history of WRC?

They actually seemed better last season.

[jonkka]

Are those the shittiest tyres in history of WRC?

Without a doubt, yes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahhh not to be, but great time again by Jonny.

[becher]

The Hyundai looks straight up evil to drive on occasion.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair to Hankook, when a driver says he's seen less stones on a gravel rally its pretty tough for a tarmac tyre built for speed.

[Rallyper]

I think you guys o should have in mind these tyres as well as Michelin or Pirelli never been mad of Concrete or stainless steel. They are rubber. They don´t stand for forces fron sharp tarmac edges. Never, ever.

I would never by Hankook (I think) to my private everyday car, but don´t bash the tyre when drivers handle them as undestroyable.

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/19241751/FB_IMG_1775934508242.jpg

[Sulland]

Maybe go back to mousse again?

[focus206]

Aftermath of Fourmaux crash at the beginning of the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ8fXeBrps4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Blame the stages not the tyres...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/croatia-stages-too-extreme-on-saturday/

[spyros]

It's funny that Neuville said that he finds his self again when he is slower 0,5 s/km from Solberg and Elfyn.

[rallyfiend]

It's funny that Neuville said that he finds his self again when he is slower 0,5 s/km from Solberg and Elfyn.

From opposite end of the road order....

[240RS]

That first stage today will have sapped morale at Hyundai for Rally Islas Canarias. Fast, flowing and, sadly, clearly a Toyota stage.

Even allowing for strategy, Toyota is far superior on such asphalt. Spain will be hard to follow.

[EstWRC]

From opposite end of the road order....

Doesn’t matter. Fourmaux still lost 0.9s/km starting further up

[meh]

I really like Rally1 cars, but the reality is - it is quite dead from a sporting perspective:

* From a performance-wise, it is a Toyota's show. Others have a chance, if Toyota's top3 (Evans, Solberg, Ogier) make mistakes or do not compete. Luckily for others, it has now happened 2 rallies in a row.
* There is no competitive field, Rally1 cars struggle to fill the Top10 O/A.

RC2 cars in Top10 O/A:

1. Monte Carlo - 4/10 (6. 8. 9. 10)
2. Sweden - 1/10 (10.)
3. Kenya - 5/10 (5. 6. 7. 8. 9.)
4. Croatia - (as it stands after SS18) 6/10 (5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.)

[EstWRC]

The sport has been dead for the last couple of years already

Fourmaux can’t even beat Msport

[Rallyper]

The sport has been dead for the last couple of years already

Fourmaux can’t even beat Msport

"Dead" in the way the sport lacking competitive drivers.

[jonkka]

There is no lack of drivers, even competitive ones. There's shortage of seats and teams.

[skarderud]

I cant wait to Rally2's is top class.
Rally1's is "cool", but competitionwise it is a sad show.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[WRCStan]

I really like Rally1 cars, but the reality is - it is quite dead from a sporting perspective:

* From a performance-wise, it is a Toyota's show. Others have a chance, if Toyota's top3 (Evans, Solberg, Ogier) make mistakes or do not compete. Luckily for others, it has now happened 2 rallies in a row.
* There is no competitive field, Rally1 cars struggle to fill the Top10 O/A.

RC2 cars in Top10 O/A:

1. Monte Carlo - 4/10 (6. 8. 9. 10)
2. Sweden - 1/10 (10.)
3. Kenya - 5/10 (5. 6. 7. 8. 9.)
4. Croatia - (as it stands after SS18) 6/10 (5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.)

I like RC2 cars, but not one that has scored WRC points on the first 3 rounds has entered more than one round. Sure, each rally may be individually entertaining, but it's what binds these rallies as a World championship? That's just as concerning.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota's dominance is really the Rally1 problem. Hyundai have let us all down and Ford not going all-in with MSport.

[becher]

There is no lack of drivers, even competitive ones. There's shortage of seats and teams.
It is a chicken and egg situation. There are too few seats obviously but at the same time it is very difficult to replace a top driver as was sadly proven three years ago here.

Of course more seats means more youngsters get better opportunities and therefore reach the required level quicker.

[Rallyper]

There is no lack of drivers, even competitive ones. There's shortage of seats and teams.

There´s both.

[WRCStan]

HTF is Suzuki advertising?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Congrats Yohan, Leo and Lancia !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Despite Friday's mistake Solberg has shown top pace on dry tarmac.

[becher]

True, but the advantage of being first on the road was seldom greater than yesterday.

[Rallyper]

yeah. To me it´s all about his experience from being 2026 WDC...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job by Jon Armstrong. Some great times and showed he's got pace on tarmac. Also destroyed his more experienced team mate.

[denkimi]

There is no lack of drivers, even competitive ones. There's shortage of seats and teams.

That's why we are back to paddon and sordo at hyundai.

it would be a lot more entertaining if we made it into a toyota cup, with all drivers having equal cars.

[jonkka]

What?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have to say it, but I never understood why McErlean got the M-Sport drive last year. Ok he got funded by the MI Rally Academy but as Armstrong proves there are better Irish drivers out there.

[WRCStan]

That's why we are back to paddon and sordo at hyundai.

it would be a lot more entertaining if we made it into a toyota cup, with all drivers having equal cars.

If it were customer racing, otherwise it's fall in line as the bosses say. The win at all costs we had, like 2017-19, and with drivers capable of doing it across all teams, has gone.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's why we are back to paddon and sordo at hyundai.
.

A third driver needs to bring safe points, not heroically trying to show their pace.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But to be fair Hyundai did take Fourmaux last year

[Eli]

Congrats to Lancia for winning the WRC2 prize, would love to see that small Ypsilon have a larger rear wing as a Rally1 car…

[WRCStan]

But to be fair Hyundai did take Fourmaux last year

Because he speaks French :D

Joke.

[denkimi]

A third driver needs to bring safe points, not heroically trying to show their pace.

and that's how you end up with the same drivers for 20 year.

[TypeR]

Neuville is cruising 2 days and now crashes and breaks the car..

Taka will win swcond event in a row and lead the championship?

[jonkka]

That requires talent.

[focus206]

Weird crash, he wasn't going that fast to be caught up on that gravel...

[becher]

Yeah looked really strange.

[Eli]

Thierry needs to retire…in other news, Paddon is on the podium!!!!! for the first time since??? Truly deserved for Hayden for all his years with sticking to Hyundai, obviously would like to see Hyundai to win for once, but like many people said here…their commitment isn’t serious (enough) and it shows…

[philippebugalski]

He did it again… 2024 edition of Croatia he was leading the rally and crashed on powerstage - feels like deja vu…

[denkimi]

neuville is back to his old form of crashing when he just needs to bring it home.

[Eli]

Lancia 4th & 5th, no chance of them being a rally1 manufacturer for 28’ ey?

[becher]

He should have won in 23, 24 and this year. I can't believe that he just doesn't manage to win this.

[deephouse]

Neuville finally found himself again... Annnnnndd... It's gone

[CeskyOndra]

In the end it doesn't matter, Hyundai is just nowhere, better to end this comedy..

[becher]

I guess Pajari is kicking himself now that he didn't try to overhaul Katsuta.

[Eli]

I’m really happy to see Paddon on the podium for the first time since Australia 2018…

[deephouse]

He can do that at the end of season.. if he will drive like that all the time, he will fight for title

[macebig]

Make Rally 2s the top category as they are now. No packages, no nothing. As now. There are enough cars and drivers to get a competitive field of 4-5 brands and 10-15 drivers at least. Rally 1 is dead and buried...

[trykmann]

So Taka goes for another win? :D

So yes....

[Eli]

He can do that at the end of season.. if he will drive like that all the time, he will fight for title

Who? Katsuta?

[CeskyOndra]

Not looking forward to Canarias, will be just Toyota show.

[deephouse]

Who? Katsuta?

Pajari.

[deephouse]

Not looking forward to Canarias, will be just Toyota show.

Even if half field of Toyota will retire, they will still win as usually

[WRCStan]

Make Rally 2s the top category as they are now. No packages, no nothing. As now. There are enough cars and drivers to get a competitive field of 4-5 brands and 10-15 drivers at least. Rally 1 is dead and buried...

And so will be WRC.

[denkimi]

Even if half field of Toyota will retire, they will still win as usually

most likely, since they have the 5 best cars.

[deephouse]

And so will be WRC.

Maybe not, but probably some drivers from top category will suddenly not be so good anymore.

[trykmann]

Maybe not, but probably some drivers from top category will suddenly not be so good anymore.

This hasn't be a bad thing. We would get a very intenese competition. If we use Oliver as a reference, then there were many drivers who were able to compete with him last year.

[deephouse]

It's the manufacturers who will have issues with that. Imagine bosses from Hyundai and Toyota if someone from private team using their car as a customer winning the events. The price of these cars could go in the sky or they will start providong "worse cars" to customers... Or in the worst case leave the championship... Manufacturers wants exclusive or advantage, not equal level

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What did I say about things happening when you're not watching. I assumed a cruise through and missed the Neuville crash Typical !

[macebig]

There are no manufacturers left. Hyundai is 1,5 feet out and without support from Ford and RB, M-Sport can do very little. Nobody is coming. Rally 1s are done.

[EstWRC]

Sorry but Thierry has been dead awful since his title win

This was embarrassing

[deephouse]

I'm talking about if WRC top category would become Rally2 cars. Of course there are more of them, but since it's primary customer focused car for so many years now and a very successfull one, at this point it doesn't make any easier to adopt it. Yes, maybe for a year, since there will be nobody ready, because everyone is waiting FIA and promoter thing. And when they will know, probably someone will join the sport and it will take around 2 years to be really ready. So adapting Rally2 cars intil then could be a good thing. But for a long term, not so, because it would happen exactly as I suggested - either upgrade their own cars and provide customers with older ones or leave.

[WRCStan]

Many brands of Rally2 does not make a World Championship as general consumer entertainment. All the answers point to better individual rallies for already hardcore rally fans. Be prepared for the series to spiral inwards and simple signs like the cost of Rally TV to triple for fewer live coverage.

[WRCStan]

Individual events are great but what's the championship story...

https://i.ibb.co/KjFy11Pz/Untitled.png

https://i.ibb.co/v4Xh18G1/Untitled2.png

So shrink the calendar to 7 events in Europe? Oh wait we have achieved ERC.

[deephouse]

They could simply link events in ERC and WRC which are running in Europe, and outside Europe - Saudi Arabia with MERC, Chile/Paraguay with CODASUR, Japan with APRC, and Kenya with ARC. Of course they could run also separate coverage for at least ERC events. That way they could discontinue WRC2 or made it count also in any ther continental championship.

[WRCStan]

For what purpose?

[focus206]

Did Thierry say anything about the crash? Seems absurd that he lost the car at slow speed in a partially dirty corner, when he faced much dirtier corners at much higher speed during the weekend.

[PLuto]

They could simply link events in ERC and WRC which are running in Europe, and outside Europe - Saudi Arabia with MERC, Chile/Paraguay with CODASUR, Japan with APRC, and Kenya with ARC. Of course they could run also separate coverage for at least ERC events. That way they could discontinue WRC2 or made it count also in any ther continental championship.

Nonsense. We have tried it once (WRC and ERC event in one) and it was disaster.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Did Thierry say anything about the crash? Seems absurd that he lost the car at slow speed in a partially dirty corner, when he faced much dirtier corners at much higher speed during the weekend.

Felt understeer, reduced the steering lock, tried to miss the corner and clipped a block taking to the side-road.