Under clear autumn skies, the ceremonial start of ERC Croatia Rally 2025 took place this evening in front of the INA headquarters at the intersection of Većeslav Holjevac and Dubrovnik Avenues. Broadcast live on HRT 2, the event attracted fans from across Europe, with strong support from Polish, Italian, and Irish spectators cheering for title contenders Miko Marczyk, Andrea Mabellini, and Jon Armstrong.
Key officials in attendance included Organising Committee President Daniel Šaškin, Croatian Car and Karting Federation President Robert Markt, President of the Zagreb City Assembly Matej Mišić and Envoy of the Prime Minister, State's Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Josip Pavić. Following a popular Meet the Crews session, the competitors drove over the start ramp, officially launching two days of intense action on the demanding roads of Zagreb, Karlovac, and Krapina-Zagorje counties.
A spectacular ceremony began with young racers representing various Croatia-based karting clubs, bringing the nation’s talent of tomorrow to its biggest motorsport occasion. The karters waved an array of flags ahead of the Croatian national rally entries before the Renault Clio Rally4 number 60 of local heroes Luka Latinović and Matia Labaš, who were handed the honour of being the first international crew to drive over the ramp and officially get the event under way. Latinović was followed by the rest of 54-car international field, including the 49-strong ERC contingent representing 20 nations.
Saturday’s programme begins with the 22.70 km Krašić – Sošice stage, followed by Hartje – Stojdraga and Breganica – Smerovišće.
