The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship reaches its grand finale this week in Croatia (October 3–5). Three contenders are still in the hunt for glory: Poland’s Miko Marczyk, Italy’s Andrea Mabellini, and Ireland’s Jon Armstrong.
After seven action-packed rounds, Marczyk – running on Michelin tyres – holds a slim advantage over Mabellini, equipped with Pirelli rubber. Applying the dropped-score rule, the margin is just two points. Armstrong, fresh from his ERC victory at Rali Ceredigion, remains mathematically in the fight, but he will need a near-perfect weekend in Croatia: 34 out of 35 available points, while hoping his rivals falter outside the top positions.
📌 The experience factor
Armstrong heads to Croatia with valuable knowledge, having started the event twice before, compared to Marczyk’s single entry and Mabellini’s debut. “It will be tough to win the championship, but Croatia is a slippery event,” Armstrong explained. “At this time of year, there’s dirt, leaves and other tricky conditions on the road, so anything can happen.”
Marczyk, 29, is aware consistency alone might not be enough: “Every point matters, but I must bring something extra to Croatia. That’s my goal.” Meanwhile, 26-year-old Mabellini is fired up: “We showed strong mentality in Ceredigion, and now we go to fight for victory. It’s a game – and we’re ready to play it.”
📌 More titles at stake
Beyond the ERC drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, the Croatian round will also decide the FIA ERC3, ERC4, ERC Team, and ERC Tyre Supplier championships. One title has already been sealed: Martin Vlček will be officially crowned as the inaugural FIA ERC Master before the rally begins.
📌 The route
The Croatian Rally features ten competitive stages covering 172.36 km (total route: 589.89 km). Saturday’s action takes crews southwest of Zagreb, while Sunday hosts the final showdown north of the capital, with the Power Stage between Zagorska Sela and Kumrovec.
📺 How to watch
Fans worldwide can follow every stage live on Rally.TV, with additional broadcasts across several countries – check local schedules for details.
Croatia will decide it all: will it be Marczyk, Mabellini or Armstrong to etch their name in ERC history?
