The 2026 Croatia Rally is shaping up to be an exciting event, happening from April 9-12, 2026, in Rijeka, Croatia. This rally marks a significant change in location, moving from Zagreb to the coastal city of Rijeka, and will feature 20 special stages covering 300.28 km of asphalt terrain with a mix of coastal roads and mountain passes.
The event will be part of the 2026 World Rally Championship, 2026 WRC2 Championship, and 2026 WRC3 Championship, as well as the second round of the 2026 Junior WRC Championship. The roads around Rijeka and the Istrian peninsula are typically wider and more “circuit-like” than the narrow lanes of Zagreb, but they’re notorious for becoming ice-slick at the first sign of rain.
Tyre management will be crucial, with the Hankook Ventus Z215 slicks as the primary choice. Crews will need to account for the abrasive volcanic-style tarmac of the Platak mountains versus the smoother, dustier sections closer to the coast.
Notable performances in the championship so far include Elfyn Evans’ victory on the snow of Rally Sweden, and Oliver Solberg’s win in the WRC Rallye Monte-Carlo.
