Croatia strikes new deal to rejoin WRC in 2026

Croatia will return to the World Rally Championship calendar in 2026 after securing a new multi-year agreement. 

The asphalt event made its WRC debut in 2021, quickly becoming a regular hosting four editions of the event, before losing its place on the 2025 calendar.

The WRC Promoter was in discussions to renew its agreement, with a three-year deal on the table beginning from 2025, but organisers were unable to secure the support and guarantees from the local government.

However, government support has since been sourced in order to strike a new three-year deal. The agreement will see the event host a round of the European Rally Championship next year followed by a return to the WRC for 2026 and 2027.

“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,” said WRC event director Simon Larkin. 

“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 Tonci Glavina – as well as Daniel Saskin, the President of the Organising Committee, for their unwavering support of this project.”

Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Saskin added: “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.”

Croatia's inclusion on the 2026 WRC calendar ensures there will be at least four asphalt rounds on the schedule, joining Monte Carlo, Canary Islands and Japan, the latter having signed a new three-year deal last month. 

The WRC has indicated that it would like to add a fifth asphalt round to its 2026 calendar, with Ireland among the candidates hoping to fill that berth.