February 26, 2022 - The popular international rally racing event returns to the Zagreb area from April 21 to 24 this year. The Croatia Rally organizers expect 350,000 spectators during the race.
Daniel Šaškin, President of the Croatia Rally Organizing Committee, which will be held from April 21 to 24, and which is on the World Championship calendar for the second time this year, announced at a press conference on Friday that 350,000 spectators are expected during the April race, reports HRT.
The Swedish Rally is currently underway, ending on Sunday, and the next race will take place in Croatia.
Given that this year is not like last year, in which the pandemic significantly limited travel, competitions, and gatherings, the organizers hope that the number of registered crews will be around 100. A special feature of this year's competition will be the organized arrival of the audience.
In addition to free viewing along the tracks of speed tests, as is customary, the organizers this time invite viewers to specially designed Fan Zones, where they expect a complete entertainment and catering offer.
"We are thrilled and proud that with the support and help of the Croatian Government, the City of Zagreb, counties, sponsors, and all other partners, we are bringing this spectacle to Croatia again. This is one of the greatest victories and recognitions for Croatian motorsport ever. Getting the WRC is a huge success in itself, and keeping it and signing a three-year contract is proof that we know the 'job' and that last year's edition of the Croatia Rally was organized at a very high level. It is a very demanding organization of events that will take place in front of the audience for the first time. We expect a staggering number of about 350,000 spectators, so we invite visitors to take care of the environment and reduce traffic jams, to group in cars and come to locations together," said Šaškin.
"This year, we are preparing numerous surprises and rich content for fans of octane excitement, both along the track and in the Fan Zones. Tickets for the Platak Fan Zone are already on pre-sale. Fan zones provide a full experience because, besides watching the most attractive passages of the world's rally stars, they offer visitors food and all-day entertainment. The largest Fan Zone will be located at the Zagreb Fair and will be the first to start operating on Tuesday, April 19. There, visitors will be able to see the service areas of top competitors, buy Croatia Rally souvenirs, top teams, and the WRC, try their skills on one of the simulators, enjoy the catering offer and performances of famous rock performers," announced Šaškin.
The Faculty of Transport Sciences will also provide logistical support to the organizers.
"As this is a logistically and organizationally extremely demanding sporting event, we are very pleased, but also an opportunity and a challenge for our experts that we are partners of the WRC Croatia Rally for the second year in a row. The Faculty of Transport Sciences will provide professional assistance in traffic regulation planning activities and logistical support for the WRC Croatia Rally, and by setting up a safe driving simulator in the Drivers' Park at the Fair, we will raise awareness of the importance of responsible traffic behavior," said Dean Tomislav Josip Mlinarić.
President of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association, Davorin Štetner, emphasized the economic importance of the Croatia Rally.
"The WRC Croatia Rally is extremely economically important to Croatia. This is one of the largest sports competitions in the history of our country, and we expect to fill almost all accommodation capacities with guests of high spending power. With such events, we are taking the steps we need, and the international promotion that Croatia is receiving is measured in millions of euros. At the same time, we are popularizing motorsports, and we expect positive effects and attracting new people to our sport. The first year went great, but now we have yet to confirm the great grades. I am proud to point out that this race is also a Croatian product because Croatian sports workers and enthusiasts are responsible for almost the entire organization," said Štetner.
The race was also supported by the City of Zagreb and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, which co-finance the costs of organizing the competition.
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