Croatia is among the most up-to-date additions to the WRC, becoming a member of the calendar in 2021 with final weekend’s occasion marking its fourth version.
The nation’s demanding asphalt roads have proved difficult for drivers whereas delivering thrilling climaxes to rallies, with the lead altering arms on the ultimate day in three of the 4 occasions up to now.
The WRC is eager to welcome Croatia again to the schedule subsequent 12 months and is already engaged on securing a brand new deal.
“We’re engaged on a renewal,” mentioned WRC occasion director Simon Larkin. “The Wednesday of the rally was election day [in Croatia] and the identical authorities has held energy, so we hope for a fast course of there.”
Since becoming a member of the WRC calendar, the rally’s headquarters has been positioned in Zagreb, with the itinerary devised round crews leaving the capital metropolis to soak up levels earlier than returning on the finish of every day.
There was some dialogue a couple of doable relocation from Zagreb in favour of utilising Croatia’s well-known shoreline, however WRC organisers say they have to be “satisfied” that such a transfer will profit the occasion sooner or later.
“One of many issues that’s most tasty about bringing Croatia to the WRC was to be within the capital metropolis,” Larkin added.
“We’re in all probability seeing a number of compromises on the itinerary and the timing.
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
“We have to be satisfied that shifting away from the capital metropolis will drive higher worth and higher viewers participation. They [Croatia organisers] must promote it to us.
“Sure, we’re based mostly right here in Zagreb and there are compromises on the itinerary, however I don’t suppose anybody who has watched this rally for the final three editions can say the roads we’re utilizing are a compromise.
“That is producing superb sport on each degree. I feel this type of tarmac has supplied a novel promoting level for the rally.
“The Croatian coast is gorgeous, however that doesn’t essentially imply we must always take the WRC there.”
Whereas Croatia is within the operating to safe a renewal for subsequent 12 months, Larkin confirmed that Poland’s surprise inclusion on this year’s calendar is a “one-off” and unlikely to return subsequent 12 months.
Additionally it is probably that Estonia will rejoin calendar as a part of a rotation with Latvia, which has stepped up from the European Rally Championship this 12 months.
Final month it was introduced that Spain will rejoin the WRC with Rally Islas Canarias promoted from the European Rally Championship schedule to make its WRC debut.
Paraguay and Argentina are understood to be in the mix to earn a spot for subsequent 12 months. It’s probably the championship will embody a return to the Center East with a spherical in Saudi Arabia an choice, with an announcement anticipated within the close to future.