The FIA European Rally Championship lands in Zagreb for its 2025 finale, and it’s set to be a showdown worthy of the top step. With championship points tighter than ever and an asphalt surface that rewards precision and commitment, Croatia Rally 2025 is poised to deliver drama from the first corner to the final stop line.
After more than a decade away from the ERC calendar, Croatia is back — and it’s not here to play nice. Ten demanding tarmac stages will push every crew to the limit, totaling over 170 competitive kilometres across the hilly, high-grip roads of northern Croatia. With late-season weather always a factor, crews must be ready for rapid changes in grip and visibility.
| Event Name | 2025 Croatia Rally |
| Championship: | European Rally Championship 2025 – Round 78 |
| Location | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Dates | 3–5 October 2025 |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 172.36 km across 10 stages |
| Official Website: | Visit the event page |
LIVE TIMINGS | ENTRY LIST | RALLY MAP |
Mark your calendars for all ERC 2025 events:
| Round | Event | Date | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rally Sierra Morena | April 5–6, 2025 | Tarmac |
| 2 | Hungary – Rally Hungary | 09–11 May | Gravel |
| 3 | Sweden – Royal Rally of Scandinavia | 29–31 May | Gravel |
| 4 | Poland – 81st Rally Poland | 13–15 June | Gravel |
| 5 | Italy – Rally di Roma Capitale | 04–06 July | Tarmac |
| 6 | Czech Republic – Barum Czech Rally Zlín | 15–17 August | Tarmac |
| 7 | United Kingdom – Rali Ceredigion | 05–07 September | Tarmac |
| 8 | Croatia – Croatia Rally | 03–05 October | Tarmac |
| Instagram: @fiaerc | Live Streaming: Rally.Tv | YouTube: FIA ERC Channel | Facebook: FIA ERC Page |
Base of operations is the Croatian capital, with stages threading through narrow hilltop villages and tree-lined descents. Among the key tests are:
Krašić – Sošice: A fast-flowing opener with unpredictable grip zones.
Hartje – Stojdraga: Technical, uphill, and tight – ideal for attacking setups.
Veliko Trgovišće – Klanjec: Combines high-speed rhythm with heavy braking zones.
Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec: The power stage, and likely the scene of championship-deciding moments.
With Friday set aside for shakedown and the qualifying stage, expect early hints at who’s dialed in and who’s chasing setup changes before Saturday’s stages begin.
Miko Marczyk / Szymon Gospodarczyk: The points leader — will have to balance aggression and caution.
Andrea Mabellini / Virginia Lenzi: The main chaser — likely to push hard, especially over the final stages.
Jon Armstrong / Shane Byrne: Their momentum and confidence will be crucial in chasing down the leaders.
Romet Jürgenson: Joining for Croatia, he aims to carry forward his tarmac pace from recent events and support his team’s campaign.
Other crews will aim to disrupt or play spoiler roles. Those with strong tarmac setups, precise tyre management, and zero room for errors will shine.
Heading into Croatia, just two points separate the top two contenders after dropped scores. Miko Marczyk leads, but Andrea Mabellini is within striking distance — and Jon Armstrong, off the back of his maiden ERC win, remains mathematically alive.
The team picture is equally intense, with last-minute driver entries and setup tweaks set to play strategic roles. It’s a race where a single puncture, missed apex, or misjudged tyre choice could swing the outcome of an entire season.
Asphalt Mastery: Croatia’s roads are unforgiving. Drivers who honed their skills on clean tarmac lines and trail braking will thrive.
Tyre Strategy: Surface changes and potential autumn rain make compound choices critical.
Mental Focus: With the title on the line, pressure management across every stage will be key — especially on the final loop.
At Vittorio Caneva Rally School, our training on asphalt is laser-focused on the demands of modern tarmac rallying — from braking under load to maximizing corner exit grip without overdriving.
This finale is a textbook showcase of why precision, pace note discipline, and car positioning are everything on sealed surfaces. As always, we’ll be following our drivers closely to see who executes when it matters most.