Poland’s Miko Marczyk is the new FIA European Rally Champion, clinching the 2025 title with third place in a thrilling Croatia Rally finale.
Ireland’s Jon Armstrong dominated the event for M-Sport Ford, while Norway’s Mads Østberg marked his 300th career rally with a strong second overall.

Team MRF Tyres also celebrated, securing the ERC Teams’ Championship, with Tymek Abramowski and Calle Carlberg claiming the ERC3 and ERC4 titles respectively.

Rain Turns Final Day into a Challenge

Heavy overnight rain transformed Sunday’s final stages – Veliko Trgovišće – Klanjec (13.61 km) and Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec (14.24 km) – into treacherous, unpredictable tests.

Marczyk, who had struggled on Saturday and ended the day sixth, launched a fierce comeback on Sunday. As rivals Mille Johansson, Norbert Maior, and Robert Virves ran into trouble, Marczyk climbed to third – a position that secured him the championship if he held it to the finish.

Meanwhile, Armstrong maintained his dominant pace, winning five of Saturday’s six stages and sealing the Power Stage victory for maximum points. However, Marczyk’s consistent result ensured the Pole couldn’t be caught in the title fight.

Support Categories: Carlberg and Abramowski Seal Their Crowns

In ERC4, Sweden’s Calle Carlberg enjoyed a perfect weekend, winning all ten stages in his Opel Corsa Rally4 and adding the overall class title to his Junior ERC crown.

In ERC3, Poland’s Tymek Abramowski overcame late suspension issues and an off-road scare to secure the season title in his Ford Fiesta Rally3.

Milestone and Emotion at the Finish Line

For Østberg, his second-place finish was a fitting celebration of his 300th rally start, met with cheers from Croatian fans.

At the finish, an emotional Marczyk said:

“I don’t know what to say because it was quite a lot of emotions, but it’s important to trust in the process. This is probably my biggest dream in my sporting life. When I was 15, I started indoor karting, and then I decided to go rallying... Thank you to everyone, my sponsors, and Michelin tyres. I’m very happy, even if still a bit stressed not to make any mistake.”

Armstrong, gracious in defeat, added:

“It’s been an amazing year and I have so many people to thank. Shane (Byrne, co-driver) and I have done a great job. What an event! To win the Power Stage — we couldn’t do much more.”

The Croatia Rally 2025 provided the perfect curtain call for a thrilling FIA ERC season — filled with speed, drama, and determination across Europe’s toughest asphalt roads.