Alexandre Coria's take: "Three very different days" at the Rally Croatia

This weekend, it's time for the fourth round of the 2026 World Rally Championship, the Rally Croatia, returning to the calendar after a season's absence. Since the destination's last appearance in WRCThings have changed, as the rally, initially based in Zagreb, is now located near the Adriatic coast, specifically in Rijeka, while the service park is situated at the Grobnik Automotodrom, about twenty kilometers from the seaside resort. Consequently, the rally route itself has evolved considerably, and competitors have discovered some new features during reconnaissance runs: These will truly be three very different days.Alexandre Coria, the co-pilot ofAdrien fourmaux, at the end of their reconnaissance. I think a lot can happen at this rally.he also mentioned.

Croatia Rally: Pollution expected on the first day

According to Alexandre Coria, the starting position will be truly decisive on the first day of the rally this Friday: The two middle stages of the loop, Lake Butoniga – Motovun (SS2/6) and Beram – Cerovlje (SS3/7), will deteriorate considerably as the cars pass through: in my opinion, they are the most difficult and selective stages of this first day. "While also specifying that the profiles of Vodice – Brest (SS1/5) and Učka (SS4/8) will already have a Canary Islands feel: In these two special stages, which have fewer ropes, we find a similar level of grip, quite different from the grip we're used to finding here. " he explained to us. A rather eclectic first day, then.

Is everyone on equal footing this Saturday at the Rally Croatia?

This Saturday, 115,96 kilometers of timed sections will be covered in this Rally of Croatia. Three of the four special stages on the program are known, but the deciding factor will be Generalski Stol – Zdihovo, a stage nearly 23 kilometers long. This stage is completely new; no one has ever raced on it, and therefore there are no onboard cameras. Lots of tight corners, and therefore a high risk of punctures: it's going to be a tough one. "He warns. The ingredients that have made this rally successful in the past will still be present during this second day." In Platak (ES9/16), in particular, there will be plenty of grip even though the climb to the ski resort is quite technical and narrow, unlike the very wide descent. ».

A rather unusual environment at this Rally of Croatia, which Alexandre Coria captured!

On Sunday, the mechanics will come into play

The third day, this Sunday, will be condensed into 4 special stages for a total of 57,46 kilometers to be covered. The grip will again be reminiscent of that found in the Canary Islands, but on this final stage, the defining characteristic will be the profile of the two special stages, both downhill, which will severely test the brakes. Courage will be required to try and create gaps, particularly in the Power Stage. " he says. According to the Montpellier native, viewers will also get their money's worth during the Power Stage: You will discover a viewpoint in the special that should be magnificent to watch on television. "Indeed, and since the rally will finish in Rijeka, it is logical that the competitors will head towards the seafront to conclude the event.

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