Balkan Rally 2025 Crosses the Finish Line

The field of the 2025 Balkan Rally has officially crossed the finish line. After eight days, five countries, and thousands of kilometers, the racers rolled through the final checkpoint at a breathtaking location on the Croatian–Bosnian border – among the olive groves of Rizman Winery.

Leaving Hungary, the Austrian Alps, and the Slovenian mountains behind, the rally teams celebrated the halfway mark with a seaside beach party, before continuing the journey recharged and refueled. It was well-timed: on the penultimate day, the mountain roads challenged participants with intense rain and tough conditions. That evening, a well-earned rest awaited at the Falkensteiner Hotel’s spa – just before setting out on the final stage of the rally.

The final day delivered the most spectacular driving of the entire event. Starting from Zadar, drivers and riders navigated coastal cliff roads carved into the Croatian Riviera, with mountains on one side and the endless sea on the other. The rally’s dramatic finale unfolded at Rizman Winery, a true sanctuary of Dalmatian wine culture located in Komarna. Among olive trees and panoramic vineyard terraces, the rally family toasted their achievements.

After the finish line, the crew completed the Neum–Dubrovnik section without timekeeping – a joyride to soak in the beauty of the Balkan landscapes before the gala dinner. And of course, no rally would be complete without a stop in the atmospheric old streets of Mostar.

The highlight of the gala dinner was the long-awaited announcement of this year’s Balkan Rally champions. In the Vintage Enthusiast category, the main prize went to Polish duo Mikolaj Tomaszewski and Beata Kaczmarek, who crossed the finish line behind the wheel of a sleek 1969 Mercedes Pagoda 280SL. In the Modern Classic category, Hungarian team Csaba Kocsis and Renáta Bartha claimed victory in a Porsche Cayman S. Among the motorcyclists, László Varga made history on his 2017 BMW R nineT Racer.

True to Balkan Rally tradition, the Perfect Gear Award for best-dressed team was also handed out. In 2025, the honors went to British participants Chris Bell, Heidi Dawley, and Geoff Dixon, who stood out not only with their style but also their stunning Porsche 912.

Finally, the Fair Play Award, based on audience voting, was awarded to Péter and Diána Balázsi for their exemplary sportsmanship and team spirit – values that helped make the 2025 Rally truly unforgettable. Congratulations to all participants!