Hankook Tire Supports Racers in Croatia Rally, Round 4 of the 2026 WRC
Croatia Rally concludes in newly configured coastal & mountain stages, delivering intense competition & unpredictable variables…
Hankook Tire & Technology, the exclusive tire supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), has completed Round 4 of the 2026 WRC, the Croatia Rally, which concluded on April 12 (local time) in the areas surrounding Rijeka, Croatia, company officials stated in a press release.
The Newly Designed, Extremely Demanding Croatia Rally Course
The rally featured a newly designed course combining the Adriatic coastline with rugged mountain terrain. Spanning a total of 300.28 kilometers (186.56 miles) across 20 Special Stages, the competition traversed the scenic Kvarner Gulf and the Istrian peninsula, pushing both drivers and teams to their limits in a fierce battle for the podium, noted the release.
The Croatia Rally is a highly demanding tarmac event, characterized by extreme surface variations and a series of blind crests. The route features a complex mix of smooth asphalt, rough concrete and patched sections. Aggressive cornering by drivers brought gravel onto the tarmac sections, temporarily altering surface conditions and requiring precise tire selection and a high level of technical performance.
Hankook supported stable racing performance by supplying its tarmac rally tires, the Ventus Z215 and Ventus Z210, the company said. It also operated its “Brand World” booth within the service park throughout the event, offering immersive motorsport content and interactive programs.
Katsuta Leads WRC Driver Championship After Croatia Rally Win
Following an intense battle, driver Takamoto Katsuta from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team secured the overall victory. With this result, Katsuta currently leads the Driver Championship with a total of 81 points, followed closely by Elfyn Evans, intensifying the race for the season title.
Next Up, the Rally Islas Canarias in Spain
The championship now moves to the Rally Islas Canarias in Spain, scheduled April 23–26. Centered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the next round is highly anticipated for its challenging volcanic asphalt, consecutive hairpins and dramatic elevation changes, drawing significant attention from motorsport fans worldwide, officials said.
