The 2024 WRC has not even reached the halfway point of its completion that several events are already talking about renewing their contracts with the World Rally Championship for the next few seasons.
One of these is the Croatian Rally, the last event held to date, whose contract expires at the end of this season and which has every intention of maintaining its place for the seasons to come.
The Croatia Rally is one of the few races entirely on asphalt in the World Championship and, since it has been on the calendar (2021), it has always provided races of the highest level, with a very interesting route that has created several twists and turns out to be technically valid.
The event promoters are working hard to renew their agreement with the WRC promoters. “We are working on the renewal of the contract. The Croatian government was recently confirmed after the elections, so we are aiming for a renewal in the short term,” said Simon Larkin, director of WRC events.
The organizers of the event have decided to use a different route for the future, more spectacular from the point of view of the panorama – we are talking about specials along the coast, ed. – but the point is the following: it is really worth moving at least part of the event if this has already been shown on several occasions to work?
“I think one of the most attractive things about bringing Croatia into the WRC was being in the capital,” continued Larkin. “I think we are probably seeing different compromises on the itinerary and timing. We need to be convinced that moving outside the capital can make the event even better and have an even greater public presence. The organizers need to convince us on this.”
“If the itinerary may be a compromise, the roads certainly aren't. These have produced some wonderful races. I think this style of asphalt really provided a great spectacle for the rally. The Croatian coast is very beautiful, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we should bring the event to those streets.”
While Croatia is working to renew its agreement with the WRC, Larkin also made it known that Rally Poland – which returned to the calendar this season – will remain for just one year. Not only that, because the Estonian Rally will also return next year, entering an annual rotation with the Latvian Rally (which will take place this year).
Speaking of the 2025 calendar, we would like to remind you that the return of the Spanish Rally with the Canary Islands Rally was recently made official. Paraguay and Argentina should find a place for next season, like the long-awaited arrival of the Middle East Rally which should be held in Saudi Arabia. The announcement in this regard should arrive over the next few weeks.
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