April 18, 2022 - Easter weekend marked the peak of preparations for the World Rally Championship - WRC Croatia Rally 2022, the largest sporting spectacle and one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, which will take place from April 21-24, 2022

About 250 trucks will equip the competitors and the Service Park. In addition, more than 300 people will stretch and install over 6 km of cables, 7 km of fences, and over 800 m of water installations. The expected total electricity consumption will be about 1.2 MWh, which is needed to turn the Zagreb Fair into a Fan Zone of the WRC Croatia Rally 2022 Service Park, the center of the motorsport world next week.

The organizers are aware of their significant impact not only on economic activity and consumption but also on the environment, so this year with the help of scientists from the Faculty of Transport Sciences and the Hrvoje Požar Energy Institute, they will find ways to maximize their efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

As the organizers of this year's WRC Croatia Rally announced, visitors can expect rich content along the track and in the Fan Zones. The largest Fan Zone Service Park (Zagreb Fair) will be the first to start operating on Tuesday, April 19, and will be open for six days until April 24, when the final party is expected in the evening. There, visitors will be able to see a real small town built by the teams of the best rally drivers of today, cars and service areas of top competitors, and observe their final preparations and maintenance of cars during the competition. As part of the accompanying program, motorsports fans will be able to buy Croatia Rally souvenirs and swag from the top teams and the WRC, enjoy the food offered, DJs, and famous music performers, and try their skills on game consoles and simulators. In addition, drivers participating in the Croatia Rally 2022 will sign autographs on Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, April 20, and hold Meet the Crews on Thursday, April 21, Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, during which they will give statements on the big stage for the audience. You can download the detailed program via the link https://rally-croatia.com/hr/gledatelji/sluzbeni-program.

Tickets for all six Fan Zones with the best views of the most beautiful passages are on sale via ulaznice.hr/web/. In all Fan Zones, visitors can expect a rich food offer and varied all-day entertainment with sports, watching the entire race on large video walls with comments and explanations from the program's host. A complete four-day package that includes accommodation for €215 and up can be purchased through the Btravel agency: https://www.btravel.pro/en/wrc/.

Due to the limited number of parking spaces at the locations and possible crowds that could affect the race and the organizers' efforts to minimize their impact on the environment, the organizers ask visitors to connect with friends, relatives, and acquaintances wherever possible. They arrive at the location together, at least 3 hours before the start of the competition. Access to speed tests from both directions, start and finish, will not be possible even on foot in the last 30 minutes before the start of the speed test.

About the WRC Croatia Rally
WRC Croatia Rally will be held from April 21-24 at 20 attractive special stages through five Croatian counties - Zagreb, Karlovac, Krapina-Zagorje, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Varaždin. The ceremonial start and finish and the driver's park will be located in Zagreb. This year, a record number of spectators is expected at a sporting event in the country. Namely, according to the organizers, special fan zones and the track will be followed by more than 350,000 people, whose arrival is expected from Europe and many countries. At the competition in April, fans of octane attractions will be able to see the revolutionary new generation of hybrid Rally1 vehicles, first presented at the beginning of the season. Thanks to the excellent organization of the race and its features, including environmental protection, Croatia has been mentioned many times as a real surprise in the WRC calendar. The event is supported by numerous partners, local governments, tourist boards, and other institutions, including the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 8, 2022 - Croatia Rally 2022 returns from April 21 to 24 this year with 66 crews from 26 countries and some 350,000 spectators expected.

Croatia Rally returns in precisely two weeks and will be stronger than ever. New speeds, new counties, new crews, and most importantly - even more content for viewers. The leading man of the Croatian rally, Daniel Šaškin, revealed all the details for Gol.hr. 

"There will be teams from all over the world. Professional teams are coming, VIP zone, trade, food & drink, and, of course, the biggest fan zone. It will be the biggest circus in Croatia this year; there will be something for everyone," said the Croatia Rally organizing committee president.

"There will be food, concerts, socializing with drivers, a whole range of activities. A total of 66 crews from 26 countries are arriving.

All of them, as well as a large audience, will have to sleep somewhere. Last year during the WRC, there were 4,600 arrivals and over 15,000 overnight stays, which is an increase of about 60 percent compared to other days in April.

We have rented all the hotels in Zagreb and the surrounding counties. Knowing the market, hotels would not be at this level of occupancy without the WRC," said travel agency head Dalibor Bilić.

And finally, one interesting thing - the rally will also measure its carbon footprint - that is, the amount of CO2 consumed during the rally.

"For the race in Finland, the carbon footprint was calculated as about 4,000 tons of CO2. We expect more; if we put it in some spatial dimensions, we could fill the Zagreb Arena with that amount."

Speaking of Arena Zagreb and its capacity, the Croatia Rally expects it could fill Arena Zagreb 16 times with the number of spectators, as about 350,000 spectators should watch the Croatia Rally live this year. 

You can check out the schedule, stages, and ticket information on the Croatia Rally 2022 guide HERE. 

To read more about sports in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

March 27, 2022 - WRC Croatia Rally 2022 returns to Croatian roads from April 21 to 24, featuring the best drivers in the motorsport world.

The first edition aroused great interest in Croatia and delighted the international motorsport community. The excellent organization was awarded a new three-year contract which put Croatia on the WRC map.

The first WRC Croatia Rally dramatically finished with winner Frenchman Sebastien Ogier - and exciting races await us this year as well. 

Schedule and stages: Where is WRC Croatia Rally 2022?
All locations in Croatia are known. 

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Shakedown Okić (9:01)
Friday, April 22, 2022

SS1: Mali Lipovec - Grdanjci 1 (8:33)
SS2: Stojdraga - Gornja Vas 1 (9:26)
SS3: Krasic - Vrskovac (10:19)
SS4: Pećurkovo brdo - Mrežnički Novaki 1 (11:32)
SS5: Mali Lipovec - Grdanjci 2 (15:05)
SS6: Stojdraga - Gornja Vas (15:58)
SS7: Krasic - Vrskovac 2 (16:51)
SS8: Pećurkovo Brdo - Mrežnički Novaki 2 (18:04)

Saturday, April 23, 2022

SS9: Kostanjevac – Petuš Vrh 1 (7:43)
SS10: Jaškovo – Mali Modruš Potok (8:419
SS11: Platak 1 (10:09)
SS12: Vinski Vrh – Duga Resa 1 (11:38)
SS13: Kostanjevac – Petruš Vrh 2 (15:16)
SS14: Jaškovo – Mali Modruš Potok 2 (16:14)
SS15: Platak 2 (17:42)
SS16: Vinski Vrh – Duga Resa 2 (19:08)

Sunday, April 24, 2022

SS17: Trakošćan – Vrbno 1 (7:18)
SS18: Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec 1 (8:38)
SS19: Trakošćan – Vrbno 2 (10:26)
SS20: Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec 2 (Power stage – 13:18)
Podij – Zagreb, Trg svetog Marka (15:30)

Croatia Rally 2022: Tickets and instructions for spectators

A special feature of this year's WRC Croatia Rally is the organized arrival of the audience. The organizers expect around 350,000 spectators from Croatia and abroad. Tickets range from 75 to 300 kuna and can be purchased HERE.

Who will drive the WRC Croatia Rally 2022? The order of the drivers before the race
Like last year, Kalle Rovanpera arrives in Croatia as the leader in the WRC rankings. The 2022 season is the first with a new generation of hybrid cars.

WRC standings after two races (Monte Carlo and Sweden):

1. Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota) 46
2. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) 32
3. Sebastien Loeb (Ford) 27
4. Gus Greensmith (Ford) 20
5. Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) 19
6. Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) 18
7. Craig Breen (Ford) 16
8. Esapekka Lappi (Toyota) 15
9. Andreas Mikkelsen (Škoda) 12
10. Olivier Solberg (Hyundai) 8
11. Ott Tanak (Hyundai) 5
12. Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen) 4
13. Elfyn Evans (Toyota) 4
14. Erik Cais (Ford) 2
15. Jari Huttunen (Ford) 2
16. Nikolaj Grjazin (Škoda) 1
17. Egon Kaur (Volkswagen) 1
18. Adrien Fourmaux (Ford) 0
19. Lorenzo Bertelli (Ford) 0

Which Croatian drivers are at the Croatia Rally?
The biggest Croatian hope will be Viliam Prodan, the Croatian rally champion. Last year, due to car problems, he had to finish the race early. 

Rally and Croatia: What is the WRC, and how did it get to Croatia?
After Formula 1, the WRC (World Rally Championship) is the largest car race in the world. It has been held since 1973. It is estimated to be watched by more than 850 million people, and the broadcast goes to 250 TV stations worldwide.

In addition to promotion, Croatian tourism will benefit as the WRC attracts thousands of high-paying guests. Croatia Rally is also a great promotion for motorsport in Croatia. 

In 2021, Croatia hosted the WRC caravan in Zagreb and its surroundings for the first time. This is due to many years of efforts of the organizers whose perseverance and effort defeated much richer countries and were given the opportunity to host this great sporting event.

Source: Gol.hr

To read more about sports in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

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.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

ZAGREB, 30 Jan 2022 - WRC Croatia Rally, one of the most watched sporting events in the world, returns to Croatia in April for the first time with spectators, who will be able to watch the world's best rally drivers in a total of 20 speed tests through five Croatian counties.

Thanks to the excellent organisation of the sporting and accompanying part of last year's debut race, Croatia has been cited many times as a breath of fresh air and a real surprise on the WRC calendar. The organisers were given the opportunity to extend the contract for the event for at least two more years.

WRC Croatia Rally, which will bring together the world's best rally drivers, will be held on 21-24 April with speed tests through five Croatian counties -- Zagreb, Karlovac, Krapina- Zagorje, Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Varaždin -- while the ceremonial start and finish will be in Zagreb.

This year, it is expected that there will be a record number of spectators at a sporting event in our country. The organisers estimate that there may be over 350,000 spectators in special fan zones and along the track, expected to arrive from Europe and from all over the world.

"It is a huge success for our country to have Croatia included in the world calendar, to bring the world championship here and organise the race at such a high level", said Davorin Štetner, president of the Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation.

This year the WRC is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the 2022 season was launched last weekend in Monte Carlo.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

January 29, 2022 - Preparations are underway for the WRC Croatia Rally 2022, in a special year in which the World Rally Championship celebrates its 50th anniversary. The big event will take place from April 21 to 24 and will feature spectators on 20 stages across five Croatian counties.

Following the excellent organization of the WRC Croatia Rally in its first edition in 2021, the FIA did not think twice about including Croatia again in the next two World Rally Championship calendars. Thus, this year, the country is once again preparing to host one of the most important sports and automobile events in the world, in April.

Photo: WRC Croatia Rally

The WRC Croatia Rally 2022, which will bring together the world's best rally drivers, will be held from April 21st to 24th, at attractive speed tests through five Croatian counties: Zagreb, Karlovac, Krapina-Zagorje, Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Varaždin, while the ceremonial start and finish and the driver's park, which this year provides a rich program, will be located in Zagreb, reports tportal.hr.

This year, a record number of spectators is expected. Namely, according to organizers, the competition will be watched by more than 350,000 spectators in special fan zones and along the track, whose arrivals are expected from Europe and many other countries. With many surprises and rich content for which preparations are in full swing, 2022 is a special year as the World Rally Championship celebrates its 50th anniversary, and this special anniversary will be marked by a new, hybrid era of Rally1 vehicles that use sustainable fuel and electricity.

Photo: WRC Croatia Rally

The WRC season started last weekend in Monte Carlo, and Sebastien Loeb and Isabelle Galmiche in the Ford Puma won an unpredictable race until the very end. At the age of 47, Loeb became the oldest winner of a WRC race in history, and he reached his 80th victory in the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo.

''Croatia has proven to be a sports organizer that is well worth counting on. To include Croatia in the world calendar, to bring the World Championship, and to organize a race at such a high level is a huge success for our country. The race itself is a Croatian product because almost the entire race is organized by a Croatian sports staff, which we are very proud of. This race, in addition to giving the wind in the back to the development of motorsport, significantly contributes to the promotion of Croatia, and I am convinced that, like last year, we will host some of the most important people in the world sports'', said Davorin Štetner, president of the Croatian Automobile & Karting Federation.

Photo: WRC Croatia Rally

''Early Bird'' tickets will be on sale soon, which in addition to including privileged views of the big event, will also offer special benefits such as food catering and entertainment all day.

We remind you that, in addition to the spectacular races that this new edition of the WRC Croatia Rally will offer, those who are in Zagreb during the days prior to the start of the stage will be able to enjoy special moments, such as the presentation of the vehicles competing in the Ban Jelačić Square, which attracted a large number of people, including fans and onlookers.

Photo: WRC Croatia Rally

The organizers of the WRC Croatia Rally 2022 are already fine-tuning all the preparations to create a motorsport atmosphere throughout the country, especially in the Croatian capital. The excellent organization in 2021 left very positive numbers both in ratings, spectators, as well as in profits. However, all this is an extra motivation for this edition to overcome all the successes achieved last year, and in this way continue to convince the FIA and ensure its presence in the World Rally Championship calendar beyond 2023.

It should be noted that this year, for the first time, the WRC Croatia Rally 2022 will feature spectators in all instances, something that could not be done in 2021 due to the epidemiological situation. Those who purchase tickets must bear in mind that the epidemiological measures for the safe development of the championship, which will be confirmed in the coming weeks, must be complied with without exception. Last year, the spectators were able to be at the speed tests, but this year they will be able to closely follow all the stages of the race, something that excites both them and the organizers.

The first edition of the WRC Croatia Rally, held last year, left many memorable moments both on and off the track. Let us remind you that Sebastian Ogier was the first winner of the WRC edition in Croatia. Just before the last gear, the Welshman Elfyn Evans (Toyota) had a 3.9-second advantage over Ogier but made a mistake in the last turn of the rally and lost the victory by only six-tenths of a second. Ogier thus reached the 51st triumph in his career.

Similarly, it should be remembered that the 2021 edition of the WRC Croatia Rally had an extra motivation after the earthquake that affected the county of Sisak Moslavina, and especially the town of Petrinja, at the end of December 2020. The earthquake was also felt in Zagreb, which itself was still recovering from the violent earthquake in March of that year. The organization behind the WRC Croatia Rally 2021 launched the humanitarian campaign ''Together to the Finish Line'', along with the Croatian Red Cross. A large number of drivers joined the initiative and this motivated many others in the world of motorsport to contribute with donations.

Photo: WRC Croatia Rally

Belgian Thierry Neuville, who came in third in Croatia Rally 2021, donated €4,000 for the reconstruction of the building of the General Hospital "Dr. Ivo Pedišić" in Sisak. Together with his colleagues Sebastien Ogier and Teemu Suninen, Neuville has been supporting the humanitarian campaign since the very start, and the Belgian had announced that he would donate €2,000 for participating and €4,000 if he won a second or third place that year.

For more about the WRC Croatia Rally 2022, such as news, accreditation information, accommodation, virtual store and more, visit the official website of the WRC Croatia Rally.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.