FIA Pure Motorsport The Restart – European Rally Trophy

The INA Delta Rally is the oldest, most difficult and most popular car racing event in the Republic of Croatia with the first event held already back in November 1974. In 1992 it was even the first international sporting event, which has been organized in the Republic of Croatia, then established as a free and independent state. And also symbol for the Croatian capital Zagreb. There was always a special feeling about the INA Delta Rally, because the teams, the spectators and organizers came together to enjoy an outstanding event. Something that is, due to the global Covid-19 outbreak, not possible this year. Nevertheless, the organizers did everything possible to stage the rally even during a pandemic. To avoid travelling from stage to stage the paddock is stationed in Zagreb. The teams drive to the different stages and after finishing their daily tasks they return to the paddock. The paddock is hermetically fenced with clear rules in place: No audience, masks mandatory at all time and strict social distancing. The biggest respect for the rules comes from the drivers themselves, as they have seen so many other events to be cancelled in 2020. After a long break without any racing the teams are facing an enormous challenge. The well-known and dreaded Croatian tarmac. The first stage is held on a narrow course in the streets of Zagreb. But also the other stages have that special touch. They are taking place in the mountain and forest area around Zagreb. There are the very demanding, but beautiful stages in Sestine. Windy and curvy mountain roads, offering stiff resistance to even the most experienced drivers. The drivers also have to complete the day and night stages in the rural area of Jastrebarsko. In the end there are no problems. Just joy and satisfaction, in particular for the Czech Team with Ondřej Bisaha and Petr Těšínský, who win the INA Delta Rally for the second time. And obviously for the organizers.