Only seven days remain until the start of the 13. Motul Rally Kumrovec, for which a record 98 crews from 8 countries have entered. They will face a challenging itinerary consisting of 11 special stages covering a total of 101.96 km. In the twelve previous editions of the rally in the world’s most famous village, there have been seven different winners. The highly competitive field this year hopes to produce the eighth winning crew. The battle for the title will begin with the starting number one, the Hungarian duo Antal Kovacs and Gergo Istovics in Hyundai i20 N Rally2. Representing Croatian hopes for an overall victory will be Viliam Prodan and Marko Stiperski in Škoda Fabia Rally2 EVO. A total of fifteen top-class cars have entered, and it is likely that the fiercest battle for the top spot on the podium will be among them. This group includes the current Slovenian champion Marko Grossi, the 2017 Croatia Rally winner, Slovak Vlastimil Majerčak, and the 15-year-old prodigy, Italian Matteo Bernini, who will be driving in the top class for the first time with a license of AK Opatija Motorsport.
“There are 98 crews on the Entry List, which is truly a remarkable number. We haven’t had this many crews before, and we are surprised by their turnout, but it is a proof to the quality of this event. Out of those, 41 crews are from Croatia, with 15 local clubs participating in this event. Leading the way are the defending Croatian club champions, AC Zagorje, with ten crews, followed by AC Opatija Motorsport with eight crews, and AC Delta Sport and AKC Sveta Nedelja with four crews each”, announced Luka Devunić, Clerk of the Course of the 13th Motul Rally Kumrovec
Particularly exciting battles are expected in class 2, where the main contender in two-wheel-drive vehicles will likely be the young Slovenian Mark Škulj in Opel Corsa Rally4. Last season, he secured a convincing victory in Kumrovec in his class with almost a five-minute advantage and finished in a high seventh place overall. Also competing will be the current Croatian champion Janos Szilagyi in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, as well as Alfred Kramer Jr. in a Peugeot 208 RC4.
“We are excited about the rally, which receives more and more entries every year, and we have now grown to almost one hundred crews. I believe that the Tourist Board of the Kumrovec, Desinić, and Zagorska Sela area is investing a lot to ensure that our rally has a strong presence and sporting spirit. Of course, Kumrovec is ready with a rich hospitality offer. Safety is our top priority, and we want everything to go smoothly. I want to thank AC Delta Sport for the organization, the tourist board, the Krapina-Zagorje County, and all the sponsors who helped make this rally our pride,” said Robert Šplajt, the mayor of Kumrovec.
In Hrvatsko Zagorje, just one rally before the end of the Croatian Championship season, the leading driver Jan Pokos in Ford Fiesta Rally3, who has a 3-point lead over Daniel Vojvodić driving Mitsubishi Lancer EVO III, will be fighting for important points. They are followed by two drivers, each 3 points behind Vojvodić and 6 points behind Pokos – Janos Szilagyi and Nenad Lončarić in Subaru Impreza. A fierce battle is also expected in the club rankings, where AK Zagorje, on their home turf, will seek to defend their lead against AK Opatija Motorsport.
“This is a major international sports event, a significant sporting occasion as we have competitors from 8 countries, with a total of 98 crews. It requires a great effort. We might be a bit spoiled because we’ve had the WRC, but what will happen next week is a big event and a real invitation for all spectators to come is actually not necessary. When you see that crews competing in the Mitropa Rally Cup and those racing for the Alpe Adria Rally Club will be at the start, it’s clear what importance this sports event holds. I wish everyone to perform their best and reach the ceremonial finish safely. As soon as this rally concludes, we will start preparing for the 14. Rally Kumrovec, and I hope that in a month we will hold a press conference where we will announce the World Rally Championship in 2026 and 2027, as well as the European Rally Championship in 2025,” emphasized Željko Kolar, the prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County.
On Friday, September 6, the schedule includes a shakedown, followed by two Special Stages in Tuhelj during the afternoon and evening. Saturday features the Ceremonial Start along with nine more Stages, Desinić, Zagorska Sela, and Kumrovec will be driven three times each, with the Ceremonial Finish taking place in the evening at the Staro Selo Museum. You can find the detailed competition schedule here.
