One of the world’s most exciting motorsport events – the WRC – will take place in Croatia from 9 to 12 April this year. The ceremonial start will be held in Rijeka, the service park will be located at the Grobnik Automotodrom, and the grand finale has been reserved for Opatija.

Following confirmation that the Croatia Rally will remain part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2026, the official details of the route and special stages have been revealed, promising an exceptional challenge for the world’s top rally drivers. From 9 to 12 April, the WRC caravan will pass through the counties of Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Karlovac and Lika-Senj, linking the sea, mountains, inland landscapes and historic towns into a unique sporting and tourism story. The competition begins with a Shakedown on Thursday, 9 April in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar region, continues on Friday, 10 April in Istria, moves to Gorski Kotar and Karlovac County on Saturday, 11 April, and concludes on Sunday, 12 April with stages through Vinodol and Senj.

The service area will be based at Grobnik Automotodrom (Municipality of Čavle), serving as the operational hub of the rally, while Rijeka’s Korzo has been selected for the ceremonial start, further highlighting the international significance of the city and the Kvarner region. The spectacular finish and ceremonial podium will take place in Opatija, one of Croatia’s most renowned tourist destinations.

In addition to Rijeka and Opatija, the route features a series of attractive special stages across the regions of Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Lika-Senj and Karlovac.

In Istria, the rally will pass through Vodice, Brest, Butoniga, Motovun, Beram and Cerovlje, crossing Učka and Veprinac. In Gorski Kotar, the competition continues along well-known routes in Skrad, Ravna Gora and Platak, while in Karlovac County it runs through Generalski Stol, Zdihovo, Pećurkovo Brdo and Mrežnički Novaki. Several stages will also run along the coast – through Bribir and Novi Vinodolski in the Kvarner area, as well as Senj and Alan.

A special highlight will be the live TV stages in Generalski Stol and Zdihovo, while the Alan – Senj stage will serve as the spectacular concluding Wolf Power Stage, deciding crucial championship points.