Croatia Extends World Rally Championship Contract, Expects Major Economic Boost

Croatia has signed a new three-year contract with the World Rally Championship (WRC) that is expected to generate over 105 million euros in economic impact and attract more than 300,000 spectators. The deal will see Croatia continue to host a WRC event until at least 2025.

The Croatia Rally has become a popular addition to the WRC calendar since its debut in 2021, drawing large crowds and generating significant economic benefits for the country. "The new contract extension ensures Croatia's place in the WRC for the coming years, further solidifying the event's status as a key part of the championship," said a WRC spokesperson.

Why this matters: The WRC contract extension represents a major economic opportunity for Croatia. Hosting the rally event is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and showcase the country on a global stage.

The 2024 Croatia Rally, which took place from April 17th to 21st as the fourth round of the WRC season, saw intense competition among the drivers. Thierry Neuville of Hyundai currently leads the rally after the first four stages, holding an 8.6-second advantage over Toyota's Elfyn Evans. Sébastien Ogier, also of Toyota, is in third place, 21.5 seconds behind the leader.

In the WRC2 category, Citroën drivers Nikolay Gryazin and Yohan Rossel are battling for the top spot, with Gryazin leading Rossel by 12.4 seconds. Meanwhile, Ford's Romet Jürgenson is dominating the WRC3 category with a commanding 56.8-second lead.

The opening day of the rally featured a close battle between Neuville and Evans, with both drivers finishing the 120 km racing section with identical times down to the tenth of a second. Neuville started strong, winning three out of the four morning stages, but a puncture in the sixth stage allowed Evans to take a slim 0.1-second lead. Ogier made a comeback by winning the last two stages of the day.

Croatia's renewed partnership with the WRC is a testament to the success and popularity of the rally event in the country. The economic impact and spectator turnout projections highlight the significance of this contract extension for Croatia's tourism industry and international profile.

Key Takeaways

• Croatia extends WRC contract until 2025, expected to generate €105M in economic impact.
• Croatia Rally draws over 300,000 spectators, boosts tourism and showcases the country globally.
• Thierry Neuville leads the 2024 Croatia Rally after the first four stages, ahead of Elfyn Evans.
• Citroën's Nikolay Gryazin leads the WRC2 category, while Ford's Romet Jürgenson dominates WRC3.
• The opening day saw a close battle between Neuville and Evans, with identical stage times.