{"id":3519,"date":"2025-10-03T21:25:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/?p=3519"},"modified":"2025-10-03T21:25:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:25:15","slug":"final-erc-battle-croatia-rally-starts-with-championship-on-the-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/index.php\/2025\/10\/03\/final-erc-battle-croatia-rally-starts-with-championship-on-the-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Final ERC Battle: Croatia Rally Starts with Championship on the Line"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rally Croatia began today and will continue until Sunday, marking the final round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). With the championship still undecided, the weekend promises plenty of drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Points Battle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polish driver Miko Marczyk currently leads with 146 points. Close behind him is Italy\u2019s Andrea Mabellini with 131, while Jon Armstrong from Ireland sits third with 113.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Goretti @worldrally.eu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, the ERC rules require drivers to drop their worst result of the season before the final standings are confirmed. For Mabellini, that means removing his retirement in Hungary, which scored zero points. Marczyk must drop his 13-point finish in Sweden, reducing his total to 133. Armstrong\u2019s worst result was also a retirement in Spain, leaving him unchanged at 113.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reshuffle puts Mabellini just two points behind Marczyk, keeping the fight for the title very much alive. With rain expected on Sunday and a yellow weather warning already in place, the outcome remains unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Action on the Road<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s qualifying, Marczyk showed his pace by setting the fastest time at 3:55.944. He was followed by \u00d8stberg with 3:56.713 and Matulka at 3:56.884.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Goretti @worldrally.eu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before the ceremonial start, drivers also enjoyed some light-hearted competition on the go-kart track, a fun way to warm up before the real challenge ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the championship hanging by a thread, all eyes are on the Croatian stages this weekend. Will Marczyk hold onto his narrow lead, or can Mabellini snatch the title at the very last moment? Armstrong, while further behind, could still surprise if conditions shake things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing is certain, the 2025 ERC champion will only be decided on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n