The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship is about to go full grip. After back-to-back gravel events to kick off the season, the championship heads to Croatia for Round 4 on April 9–12 — and for drivers and fans alike, this is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.
Why Croatia Is Special
Returning after a brief absence from the 2025 calendar, the Croatia Rally is based out of Zagreb and runs through some of the most demanding asphalt roads in the championship. The stages combine tight, technical corners through village roads with open, flowing sections where cars can really fly. Add in constantly changing grip levels — from freshly swept tarmac to moss-covered mountain passes — and you have a rally that exposes every weakness in a car and crew.
It's not just a driver's rally — setup, tyre management, and pacenote precision are critical. One wrong call in the notes can send you into a ditch.
Championship Picture Heading In
The standings heading into Croatia couldn't be tighter. Elfyn Evans leads the drivers' championship, but by just eight points over Oliver Solberg — both flying the flag for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Hot on their heels is Takamoto Katsuta, fresh off a maiden WRC victory in Kenya and just three points further back.
For Toyota, Croatia represents a return to territory they know well. The team has strong data from previous Croatia campaigns and will be looking to extend their advantage before the calendar shifts to more demanding events later in the year.
What to Watch For
With Rally Islas Canarias following just two weeks later (April 23–26), teams will be balancing aggression with reliability. Nobody wants to throw away championship points chasing stage wins on a surface where walls and guardrails are unforgiving. Expect careful tire strategy and some fireworks from drivers with nothing to lose.
If you've never watched a WRC event live or on stream, the Croatia Rally is genuinely one of the most accessible events on the calendar — scenic roads, dramatic stages, and usually at least one wild moment that leaves co-pilots muttering into their intercom.
Track It Like a Pro
Whether you're watching Elfyn Evans thread through Croatian hairpins or wrenching on your own build at home, keeping detailed records is how the pros stay sharp. The Pace Notes Maintenance Log Book is built for car enthusiasts who take their vehicles seriously — every service interval, fluid change, and modification logged in one place. Grab yours at pacenotes.shop.