During the 4 editions run in WRC between 2021 and 2024, the rally Croatia has earned a reputation for being a very complicated stage to negotiate. The constant changes in grip and the extreme pollution that covers the stages as the competitors pass through make each stage a challenge. During this first stage, there were three different sectors to be contested twice for a total of 116,66 km per kilometer.
This final round of the season must determine the 2025 European champion, and the course of events leans in favor of Mikolaj Marczyk (Fabia RS). With just enough room to secure a result ahead of his rival Andrea Mabellini (Fabia RS), the Pole clearly wasn’t taking all the risks, but that was enough since his opponent initially experienced brake problems. A spin at the start of SS3, however, pushed him back behind the Italian. There was then only 2.5 seconds between the two adversaries. Did Mikolaj have the resources to overtake? Could Andrea extend his lead? The rest of the stage was promising, but the suspense died down again in SS4. After going off the road, the Italian driver opened the door wide for his rival. The latter doesn’t yet have the crown on his head, but if he negotiates Sunday smoothly, he will be crowned. For his part, Mabellini will undoubtedly try to get going again if his car has not suffered too much to maintain the pressure and perhaps score points that will change the outcome of the championship.
Also in with a chance of winning the title, but in a scenario that was difficult to see play out, Jon Armstrong (Fiesta) focused mainly on victory. Winner of the last round in Wales, the Irishman immediately isolated himself in first place. Managing to avoid the many traps on the course that caused multiple tricks, the rider M-Sport maintained his lead despite a puncture (SS4). Launched in pursuit, Robert Virves (Fabia RS), Mille Johansson (Fabia RS) and Mads Ostberg (C3) did not let up the pressure before a 2e a stage which should be even more complicated with the arrival of the rain.
On the French side, Adrien fourmaux took advantage of the day to carry out tests in preparation for the Central European Rally (October 15-19). Alone in the Rally1 category, it is difficult to truly assess his performances. Those of Pablo Sarrazin (C3) were more telling. The young Frenchman had a complicated start to the stage with a puncture (SS1), a small mistake (SS3) and a gate in love with freedom (SS4). His 9e chrono in the 5e ES confirmed his rise to power. Also new to the event, Léo Rossel showed consistency. Although a former French asphalt champion, the Gard native inherited an indecent and incomprehensible 50e place on the road which did not make his task easy. Despite everything, the PH-Sport driver put in significant performances and finished Saturday in 9th place.
At the end of this eventful day, all the competitors were looking ahead to Sunday, fearing that the roads would be even more demanding with the rain. Only four SS will be on the program, with a timed 55,70 km.
Ranking at the end of the first stage
