What weather conditions can be expected at the 2026 Rally Croatia?

In one week, the competitors in the World Rally Championship will line up at the start of the fourth round of the season in Croatia. rally which makes its return to the calendar after leaving it in 2025. Numerically replacing Central Europe, the event can, on paper, be considered the first true asphalt round of the season after a Monte Carlo Rally marked by snow and which often necessitated the use of tires adapted to the conditions. However, the weather could well be unfavorable in Croatia as well: recently, the championship's leading teams were able to carry out initial tests there and encountered snow. It's a small step from there to thinking that it could make an appearance during the rally, and the most pessimistic scenarios have therefore been discussed, such as the use of the non-studded tires from Monte Carlo, a possibility that has now been approved by the rally organizers since it was included in an addendum to the regulations with a maximum of 10 units for Rally1 and Rally2, and 6 for Rally3.

The four seasons at the Croatia Rally?

Reading the weather forecasts, one week before the event, temperatures seem too high for any potential snow to stick. While the mercury isn't expected to soar, with highs around 15°C, showers are currently forecast for the Rijeka region on the Adriatic coast, as this year's rally is taking place in the resort area instead of Zagreb, the event's previous location. Sunshine is also expected for the recce runs early next week, offering a taste of all four seasons in just a few days. Seeing changeable conditions at the upcoming Rally Croatia wouldn't be unprecedented: in the past, snowfall has been recorded, notably during the recce runs for the 2024 edition, even though the rally itself was then run on dry roads.

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A headache is expected at the Rally Croatia.

In any case, it's clear that tire choices for this Rally Croatia are going to be tricky. The event will never be truly dry and, above all, will be very dynamic as competitors tackle the stages. We can easily imagine significant road deterioration between the morning and afternoon loops, with the possibility of slush, water, or even mud. All competitors will therefore need to exercise caution on this rally, renowned for its demanding nature, especially since many of the stages, due to the relocation of the rally's headquarters, will be new. In many ways, Croatia will be a key moment in this season: the first event of the "tunnel" of spring, held two weeks before the Canary Islands, there will be valuable points to be gained, even though asphalt is no longer the preferred surface. WRC.