Croatia Rally could disappear from the World Rally Championship calendar after 2027, with uncertainty over government funding threatening the event’s long-term future.
Despite establishing itself as a popular fixture among drivers and rally fans, Croatia Rally is facing a critical period as organisers continue to wait for financial guarantees from the Croatian government.
Event director Daniel Šaškin has expressed growing concern over the lack of clarity surrounding public funding, warning that the situation could ultimately force the rally to leave the WRC calendar.
The 2027 edition is expected to go ahead, with the relevant agreement already signed in 2024. The event is scheduled to take place from April 8-11. However, its future beyond that season remains uncertain, with no confirmed agreement yet covering the 2028-2030 period.
According to Šaškin, both the WRC promoter and the FIA are keen to see Croatia remain part of the championship. However, securing the event’s long-term future will be difficult without sufficient financial backing from the government.
Croatia Rally operates on an estimated annual budget of between €3 million and €4 million, with the state reportedly covering around 40-50% of the total costs.
Without a clear commitment regarding future funding, organisers are struggling to plan ahead and secure the necessary financial resources to keep the event on the WRC calendar.
Šaškin has also highlighted the wider economic benefits generated by the rally. According to studies cited by the event director, the championship has contributed approximately €100 million in government revenue since 2021, while the international media exposure generated by the event has been valued at more than €2 billion.
The rally’s television coverage reportedly reaches 165 countries, providing Croatia with significant international visibility and helping promote the country as a tourism destination.
"The WRC will return to Croatia next year, and we have known that for a long time", Daniel Šaškin said.
"The agreement was signed back in 2024, and we are currently working hard to prepare for the rally, which will take place on 8–11 April.
"However, for reasons unknown to us, we have yet to receive any written confirmation from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport about what happens after that.
"In practical terms, it is almost certain that we will not be on the calendar, even though both the WRC Promoter and the FIA have expressed their desire to keep us involved".
Source: RallyJournal.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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