Jürgenson is a product of the FIA’s Rally Star talent detection programme, with this week’s asphalt fixture marking only his third FIA World Rally Championship start. Despite his relative inexperience, the Estonian’s ability shone through on day one as he won four of the eight special stages.
Ali Türkkan set the pace in the opening test but the Turkish driver’s lead was short-lived as he and co-driver Burak Erdener crashed their Ford Fiesta Rally3 immediately afterwards. Jürgenson, driving a similar car, was virtually unchallenged after he inherited the top spot and he reached the overnight halt in Zagreb 1min 4.3sec ahead of Tom Rensonnet.
Third place went to Jürgenson’s Rally Star team-mate Taylor Gill as siblings Norbert and Francesca Maior secured fourth, just 5.9sec further back. Behind them was Mattéo Chatillon, the only driver campaigning a Renault Clio Rally3 in a sea of M-Sport Poland-built Fiestas.
The fast but technical stages caught out several drivers with Fabio Schwarz, Diego Domínguez and Raul Hernández all suffering crash-induced retirements. Bolivia’s Nataniel Bruun also failed to finish because of damage to a suspension arm.
Fri 19 Apr 2024
Romet rapid on Friday in Croatia to dominate WRC3
FIA Rally Star driver Romet Jürgenson was the cream of the crop in WRC3 on Friday at Croatia Rally, building a sizeable buffer whilst also topping the Junior WRC leaderboard.
Finland
Italy
Hungary