After Friday's free practice and qualifying, two days of spectacular racing, top cars and drivers wait on the legendary Grobnik circuit, alongside a rich support programme for fans who love speed, food, music, and are ready for a fierce after-party with Hiljson Mandela.
Grand Prix of Croatia, the international two-day motor racing event organised by AK Dubrovnik Racing and Automotodrom Grobnik, opens the racing season on a Croatian circuit. Over the upcoming weekend, more than 140 drivers will compete in 6 series across 16 races on the legendary Grobnik circuit.
Saturday's programme opens in the morning with two Croatian Open Championship races. 54 entries reached the organisers, among them Leon Zelenko, a 17-year-old from Koprivnica who took last year's National Class (Group 5) title.
Our goal is always to finish first, and we'll do our best to make it happen this time too and start the title defence on the best foot, said a determined Zelenko, who begins the new season with last year's car while a new one is being prepared for the rest of the season. Group 5, also known as the National Class, has 10 cars entered, and Zelenko would like to see at least twice as many.
I hope there will be more cars in my group throughout the season. Personally, I love it when it's crowded, when there's a bit of pushing, when you race on the edge, but I believe these races at Grobnik will be exciting for the public too.
Saturday's programme continues with qualifying sessions, and after the opening ceremony at exactly 12:00, the first TCR Eastern Europe race goes live with five Croatian representatives on the grid. Among them, Žarko Knego stands out as a TCR veteran who first raced in 2019 and has been a regular ever since.
After four years, TCR is finally returning to Croatia. We struggled to make it happen, but we did, said Knego, who last season was in contention for fourth place going into the final round, but an off-track moment on the opening lap at Balaton dropped him to sixth in the final standings.
Grobnik is my home track, so expectations are high. I have more laps here than all the TCR drivers combined and I'm aiming for the podium or the top step. Anything less leaves no excuse, barring a mistake of my own or, knock on wood, a technical failure, said Knego. Alongside him, defending the Croatian flag among the 11 entries are Niko Pulić, Frano Dubreta, Bojan Miljković, and Luka Fabijanić.
The grid isn't as packed as last season when we sometimes had over 20 cars on track, but those who came to Grobnik belong at the very top and at least five names are in play for the win, Knego emphasised.
Beyond the two Croatian Open Championship races and the first TCR Eastern Europe race, Saturday's audience will also enjoy Formula 3, Swift Cup, Clio Cup Bohemia, Twingo Cup, and the CEZ race for D4 and D5 classes.
Sunday brings another 8 races plus a continuation of the attractions that make Grand Prix of Croatia more than just a race. Alongside the on-track action, visitors to Grobnik can expect top-tier entertainment in the large Fan Zone, set on the motorcycle training track, featuring a food truck area, a drinks corner, a video wall with race coverage, driving simulators, and many activities for the public. For the youngest visitors, children under 14, free karting slalom is provided, while those craving the maximum dose of adrenaline can book exclusive 'taxi laps' on the track with the Never Lift team.
Saturday's entertainment peaks in the evening after the races with the music programme. A DJ will warm up the Fan Zone atmosphere, and the spectacular Grobnik after-party kicks off after 19:00 when popular musician Hiljson Mandela takes the stage.
In its inaugural edition, Grand Prix of Croatia is shaping up as one of the biggest motor racing events of the season, combining top-tier sport and entertainment. VIP tickets have long sold out, but spots at Grobnik are still available. Ticket prices start at €15 for a day ticket and €20 for a weekend pass, while children under 14 enter free. The organisers have also arranged a shuttle service connecting the main Automotodrom entrance with the paddock at regular intervals.