FIA Press Releases
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Neuville leads Croatia Rally after demanding Saturday reshapes the fight for victory
Sport newsThe Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver began the day 13.7sec behind rally leader Sami Pajari, but ended it with an advantage of 1min 14.5sec over Toyota GAZOO Racing’s Takamoto Katsuta. Pajari, who had led the rally since Friday morning, dropped to third after stopping to change a wheel on the second pass through Generalski Stol - Zdihovo, reaching the overnight halt 1min 46.4sec from the lead.
Saturday morning had seen Pajari continue to manage his advantage well despite difficult conditions, with crews facing leaf-covered roads, changing grip levels and significant road pollution. At midday, the Finn still held a 12.4sec lead over Neuville, while Katsuta remained in close contention a further 12.7sec behind in third.
Hayden Paddon continued an impressive Croatia Rally debut by holding fourth overall through the first half of the day. Adrien Fourmaux, meanwhile, saw his event come to an end on SS12 after running wide and damaging the left-rear of his Hyundai i20 N Rally1.
The decisive moment of the day came on SS14, where deteriorating road conditions created major challenges across the field. Several leading crews encountered tyre issues, including Jon Armstrong, Paddon and Katsuta, while Pajari was forced to stop and change a wheel, losing significant time and surrendering the rally lead to Neuville.
“It just clicks this weekend,” said Neuville. “The car was from the beginning feeling better than the other rallies. We were able to build step-by-step and improve it in the beginning of the event. The conditions are very challenging and we were somehow able to go with good speed.”
Katsuta moved into second overall after maintaining a disciplined approach across the leg and capitalising on the difficulties encountered by others.
“A bit of a shame because we were trying to manage it,” said Katsuta. “It was a proper lottery. Even on gravel rallies we don’t have that many stones.”
Away from the overall fight, Oliver Solberg responded strongly after Friday’s retirement by winning every stage from SS9 to SS12 before a puncture interrupted his run on SS13. Elfyn Evans, also running under restart conditions following his Friday exit, claimed victory on SS16.
Jon Armstrong again showed encouraging speed despite his own delays, while M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver Josh McErlean endured a difficult day that included a cockpit fire, punctures and electrical issues.
Paddon completed the day in fourth overall, 3min 28.2sec off the lead, after avoiding major drama across the afternoon. In WRC2, Yohan Rossel continued to lead the category and ended Saturday fifth overall.
Just four stages, covering just under 60 competitive kilometres, remain on Sunday as Neuville bids to secure his first victory of the season.
World Rally ChampionshipWRCWRC
SEASON 2026SportRallies1SportWorld Rally ChampionshipRalliesWRCSEASON 2026WRC00Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 7:41pmSaturday, April 11, 2026 - 7:41pm -
Pajari leads Croatia Rally after demanding Friday as Evans and Solberg retire
Sport newsThe Toyota GAZOO Racing driver ended the day 13.7sec ahead of Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team’s Thierry Neuville, with team-mate Takamoto Katsuta a further 0.9sec behind in third. However, the margins told only part of the story on a day marked by incidents, punctures and evolving grip levels on roads appearing on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar for the first time.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans made a strong start to the rally, winning both SS1 and SS2 to establish an early advantage of 15.8sec over Pajari. Running first on the road, the Welshman was able to take advantage of cleaner conditions as those behind encountered loose gravel and dirt pulled onto the racing line.
His rally came to an end on SS3, Beram - Cerovlje, after an off-road excursion at a right-hand corner. Evans and co-driver Scott Martin were unhurt, but the incident brought their day to an early conclusion.
“We’ve been caught out basically,” said Evans. “The corner was a bit tighter than expected and we were way too fast and we went off into the trees, unfortunately. It is very disappointing. Obviously, it was a strong start and things were going well, but yeah, it didn’t end so well.”
Oliver Solberg’s event also ended early after an incident on the opening stage. The Swede retired after clipping a bank and becoming stranded just a few kilometres into his first dry asphalt appearance in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
“I had a little bit of understeer and we just tapped the rear with a rock face,” he said. “It is a shame. I live and breathe this every day, it is all I know in life. When it doesn’t go to plan it is tough.”
Pajari capitalised well on the changing picture across the day. While not the outright pace-setter in the morning loop, the Finn delivered a composed performance, moved into the lead and then claimed his first stage win of the rally on SS4. He maintained that position through the afternoon despite pressure from both Neuville and Katsuta, securing the first overnight lead of his FIA World Rally Championship career.
“The competition is so tough that you need to push,” said Pajari. “I was enjoying the afternoon a lot, the morning was not straightforward. It is only one day done. It has been a pleasure to drive.”
Neuville remained in contention throughout despite not being fully satisfied with the balance of his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 during the opening loop. The Belgian closed in with stage wins on SS6 and SS7 and reduced the gap to 6.3sec before the final test of the day, but lost ground again on the second pass through Učka and ended Friday in second place overall.
“There is no balance in this kind of condition,” said Neuville after the final stage. “We are in a good position and we had a good day and it is a day we have been looking for, for a long time. It is a small step forward but a big step for us.”
Katsuta also delivered a measured performance across the leg. After easing his pace on the opening stage when passing Solberg’s car, the Japanese driver built speed steadily and remained in contention throughout, ending the day 14.6sec from the lead.
Hayden Paddon completed the leg in fourth overall on his Croatia Rally debut. The New Zealander was not fully at ease on the slippery and cut-up roads, but avoided major issues to finish the day 1min 15.0sec adrift of Pajari.
Adrien Fourmaux recovered to fifth after suffering a front-right puncture on SS2 that cost him more than one minute and affected his chances of challenging at the front. He spent the remainder of the day recovering time.
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver Josh McErlean was also delayed by a puncture on SS7, which dropped him out of contention for a higher overall position. Team-mate Jon Armstrong showed promising pace early in the day and briefly ran as high as third overall, but lost time with a puncture before retiring on SS4 after running wide and hitting a bank.
In WRC2, Yohan Rossel ended Friday as category leader after a competitive day that featured several punctures and position changes among the leading crews. Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally2 driver Nikolay Gryazin completed the day second in class, 22.1sec behind, with Alejandro Cachón in third.
Saturday, expected by many crews to be the most demanding leg of the rally, features eight stages and more than 115 competitive kilometres.
World Rally ChampionshipRally CroatiaWRC
SEASON 2026SportRallies1SportWorld Rally ChampionshipRalliesWRCSEASON 2026Rally Croatia00Friday, April 10, 2026 - 8:26pmFriday, April 10, 2026 - 8:26pm -
Safety Device Approved by FIA to Support Drivers with Disabilities
Safety newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today approved the first karting seat with roll hoop attachment to facilitate disabled drivers competition in karting events.
Following approval from World Motor Sport Council today, the fiberglass high seat features an innovative lamination developed by Vita Carbon for enhanced impact resistance and can be used in karting races aligned to the FIA Karting Guidelines for Drivers with Disabilities document. Designed with an integrated roll hoop, the seat provides additional attachment points for competitors who require safety belt anchoring to support torso stability, offering drivers with disabilities additional support to enable them to race safely.
The development of the device was led by FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission member and disability driver Fabio Visentin and Vita Carbon, who worked with the support of the FIA Safety Department to design and manufacture the seat with roll hoop which has recently been homologated by the FIA. It is envisaged that the device, which is optional for drivers with disabilities competing in karting, will support a new generation of disabled racers into the entry point of motor sport.
Fabio Visentin, Member of the FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission, said:
“The development and testing of this new roll hoop represent a significant step forward for the safety of karters with disabilities. Ensuring that every driver can compete with the highest protection standards is our top priority. Our goal was to create a product that was not only safe and rigorously tested but also high-performing, ensuring it does not interfere with the chassis' flexibility. Karters with disabilities now have access to a product that has all these features, and I want to thank Vita Carbon for the development and the FIA for their support in this project.”
Nuno Costa, FIA Safety Director, said:
“Safety should complement accessibility and we’ve been proud to work on this project with Fabio to raise safety standards for karting drivers with disabilities. The karting high seatis a simple butimportant innovation that facilitates drivers to safety competeand I hope it will provide every karting driver with disabilities with greater confidence and independence.”
As a result of today’s decision, homologated karting high seats up to 32cm have been approved with immediate effect in karting events and it is expected they will first be deployed at races in early 2026.
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For media enquiries please contact FIA Sport Communications Manager, Omar Sharif: osharif@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
DisabilitySafetyFIA
Safety1SafetyFIADisabilitySafety00Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 11:07amThursday, March 26, 2026 - 11:07am -
FIA Launches New and Extensive Training and Development Programmes for Motor Sport Officials
FIA newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has launched a comprehensive package of training and development for its global network of motor sport officials.
In 2026, three dedicated programmes will be rolled out to support the Race Director, Steward and Clerk of the Course roles at national, regional and international level. Each programme is split between ‘Continuous Professional Development’ for officials who are operating with considerable officiating experience and a ‘Regional Training Programme’ which provides a development pathway for officials nominated by their FIA Member Club (ASN) to officiate from the national to the international level.
Developed to refresh knowledge, promote best practice and ensure alignment with current regulatory standards, these programmes aim to elevate officiating quality, strengthen consistency across competitions and embed a culture of continuous professional development and high performance across the FIA officiating network.
Building on the success of the 2025 FIA Officials Summit in Madrid which gathered over 230 FIA officials for in-person training, the online training sessions in 2026 will connect officials for shared learning, collaboration and exchange of best practice. Each programme will conclude with an assessment and certification process to maintain high standards internationally.
eveloped and delivered in collaboration between the new FIA Officials Department and the FIA University, the content has been tailored to meet the specific requirements of every FIA discipline and category. Each programme includes four 120‑minute sessions delivered throughout the year, with the first session of the 2026 FIA Stewards Programme taking place online today, 24 March.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
“Last year, we took an important step forward with the launch of the FIA Officials Department. It strengthened how we support and empower officials and recognise their significant contribution.
These training programmes reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting officials, because when we grow our officials, we grow our sport.”
Matteo Perini, FIA Sport Officials Manager, said:
“These programmes have been carefully crafted to provide motor sport officials across the world with the tools and resources they need to fulfil their roles and continue officiating at the highest level. By strengthening their knowledge, confidence and decision‑making capabilities, we are investing in the long‑term excellence and consistency of our global officiating community.”
The FIA Stewards Training Programme will begin on 24 March, and the FIA Race Director Training Programme will begin on 31 March. For the first time, the FIA will also directly organise Clerk of the Course training, scheduled to begin in June 2026.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact FIA Sport Communications Manager, Omar Sharif: osharif@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
TrainingFIA
FIA1FIAFIATraining00Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 11:01amTuesday, March 24, 2026 - 11:01am -
ABB FIA Formula E in Madrid Hosts a Royal Visit at Inaugural Race, Welcoming His Majesty King Felipe VI
Sport newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain to Madrid’s inaugural hosting of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
King Felipe VI’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainable motorsport and Spain’s role in embracing innovative, electric racing technologies. The event marks a historic milestone for a championship that is currently in its twelfth season, and which since its inception has had innovation embedded in its DNA.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “It was an honour for the FIA to welcome His Majesty King Felipe VI to the Circuito de Madrid-Jarama for the city’s inaugural ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race. This landmark event reflects the growing global appeal of electric racing and underscores our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge motorsport.
“Madrid has embraced Formula E with great enthusiasm, and hosting the championship here for the first time allows us to showcase the excitement of electric racing while promoting cleaner mobility solutions. We are thrilled to bring fans from around the world to the Spanish capital and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and innovators."
Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the FIA Senate andPresident of the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE), said:"Bringing Formula E to Madrid for the first time is a historic moment for our city and for Spanish motorsport. The CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix showcases not only racing at the highest level but also the importance of sustainable mobility. We are proud to have welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI to experience this unique event, which celebrates innovation, excitement, and Spain’s commitment to a greener future in motorsport."
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation in global sport, combining high-performance racing with a clear purpose: to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. Since it began, the championship has served as a platform for cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, driving advancements in energy efficiency, battery development and urban mobility solutions. Formula E not only brings world-class motorsport to fans but also demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, supporting the FIA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while inspiring the next generation of mobility.
The Championship will continue for Rounds 7 & 8 in Berlin from the 2nd May 2026.
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For media enquiries please contact:
- Eric Bellegarde, FIA Formula E Communications Manager: ebellegarde@fia.com
About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
ABB FIA Formula E World ChampionshipFormula EAll fia sport
SEASON 2026-2027SportCircuit1SportABB FIA Formula E World ChampionshipCircuitAll fia sportSEASON 2026-2027Formula E00Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 9:47pmSaturday, March 21, 2026 - 9:47pm