The Croatia Rally, a prominent motorsport event, has a rich history that spans several decades. Initially a local competition, it has grown to become a significant part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). This article delves into the evolution of the Croatia Rally, highlighting its journey from a regional event to a globally recognized championship.
Early Beginnings and Growth
The Croatia Rally was inaugurated in 1974 under the name INA Delta TLX Rally. It quickly gained popularity,
transforming from a regional race into a national championship event within three years. The rally's long itineraries, which traversed various regions of Croatia, were a defining feature during its early years. By 1986, the rally had achieved international recognition, entering the FIA calendar and attracting competitors from Austria, Germany, and Czechoslovakia.
Despite the challenges posed by the Croatian War of Independence, the rally continued to grow, earning a coefficient 10 by 1995. The following year, it was nominated for the highest coefficient of the European Championship, marking a significant milestone in its development. The rally's inclusion in the European Championship in 2007 further solidified its status as a major motorsport event.
Transition to European Championship
The Croatia Rally's entry into the European Rally Championship (ERC) in 2007 marked a new era for the event. The first ERC Croatia Rally was won by the domestic crew Juraj Šebalj and Toni Klinc, showcasing the local talent. Subsequent rallies saw victories by foreign competitors, including Italians Corrado Fontana and Renzo Casazza, and Bulgarians Krum Donchev and Peter Yordanov.
Economic challenges led to the relocation of the rally to Rijeka in 2010, where it was organized by the Automotive Association of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Special stages were held in various locations, including Gorski Kotar and Istria, with the Super special stage at Opatija Circuit being particularly popular. In 2013, the rally moved to Istria and the town of Poreč, further expanding its reach and influence.
Joining the World Rally Championship
A significant turning point for the Croatia Rally came in 2020 when the FIA World Motorsport Council confirmed its inclusion in the WRC calendar for 2021. This decision was the result of years of lobbying and support from various stakeholders, including the Croatian Automobile & Karting Federation and the Croatian Government.
The inclusion of the Croatia Rally in the WRC marked Croatia as the thirty-fourth nation to host a championship round. The event's itinerary included stages in Karlovac County, Zagreb County, and Krapina-Zagorje County, with the surface of the special stages being tarmac. This milestone not only elevated the status of the Croatia Rally but also showcased Croatia's potential as a host for international motorsport events.
