Rally Croatia Season Finale Update
Heading into Croatia I knew it was a tall order. To win the championship we had to take maximum points by winning the rally and the power stage, and then hope that Miko Marczyk or Andrea Mabellini hit trouble. That part was out of our hands, so our focus was simple: control what we could, enjoy the event, and execute. I have always liked Croatia. It is where I took my first JWRC victory, so coming back felt familiar and motivating.
From the very start things clicked. We hit the ground running and won every stage in Saturday’s morning loop, building a solid cushion. Near the end of stage four we picked up a puncture and dropped around ten seconds, but it was not enough to knock us off rhythm. From then on the goal was to protect the lead, stay tidy, and make no mistakes.
Sunday was all about patience. The conditions changed completely with rain and mud dragged onto the road from the cuts. It was easy to get caught out, but Shane and I kept our focus on accuracy, stayed in the middle of the road and brought the Fiesta home safely. We won the power stage and sealed the rally victory, a perfect way to end the season.
After the finish I said, “It was quite stressful at times. We knew the conditions would be tricky so it was about keeping the car in the middle of the road and not over-driving. To come out the other side and win is just an unbelievable feeling.”
Even with the win and maximum points we ended the year six behind the title, but we did absolutely everything possible. “It has been an amazing year and there are so many people to thank. What an event. Today we had to be controlled in treacherous conditions and we are fastest on the Power Stage, we could not do much more.”
Of course, Wales and Croatia mean a lot to me. As I said in one interview, “Wales is as close as we get to a home rally, so it was definitely the one we wanted to put the biggest effort in and really go for.” To win there and then follow it up here was the ideal way to close out the season.
Season Recap Building Momentum
The season started with a few setbacks. We had a DNF in Spain and a pair of lower points finishes in Sweden and Hungary, but things began to turn with a strong third place in Poland. That podium gave us belief and showed that the speed was coming.
From there we went from strength to strength: second at Barum Czech Rally, followed by an unforgettable win at Rali Ceredigion in Wales, and now another win in Croatia to finish the season. It felt like everything began to flow: the pace notes, the car balance, the teamwork, the rhythm, the accuracy.
Back to back victories are a huge confidence boost for both Shane and me. M Sport delivered a car that was flawless, and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy continued to back us all the way. The progress we made this year sets us up in a strong position for whatever comes next.
Now it is time to reset, finalise plans for next year, and build on this momentum. The pace is there, the team is strong, and the belief is growing.
Thanks to everyone who followed our journey, came out to the stages, and supported us through every high and low. See you all soon for the next chapter.
— Jon
