The basic format of rally has largely remained the same, but this year, two clear updates are introduced, as detailed in the rally’s regulations.
The service park is moving from the center of Zagreb to the northwest side of the city, to Westgate Shopping City. The distance to the shopping center from Zagreb’s center is about 20 kilometers, which is important to consider when booking accommodations.
Croatia Rally typically involves more liaisons for drivers than most World Rally Championship events. This issue has been addressed by eliminating the day service on Friday’s loop, which extends nearly to the Adriatic Sea, in favor of changing tires at a remote service.
After that, the morning’s special stages will be run in reverse order towards Zagreb. This change has reduced the total length of liaisons by 250 kilometers.
Most of the stages are familiar from the previous year, including the virtually legendary final special stage, Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec. The stage featuring several jumps, Jaškovo – Mali Modruš Potok, is back after a year’s break. The rally opener, Krašić – Sošice, combines two previous stages.
Although four special stages are run twice on both Friday and Saturday, the total length of the rally is 283 kilometers. According to World Rally Championship rules, the minimum is 300 kilometers, though shorter rallies are also planned.
Croatia Rally is the fourth round of the season, scheduled for April 18-21.
Before that, points will be contested at the Safari Rally in Kenya at the end of March.
