The International Croatia Ring Autodrome will span 50 hectares, with the main track stretching 3.6 kilometers. The project has been added to the list of strategic state investments, and locals have already started returning from abroad.
Years of announcements are finally taking concrete shape. Slunj, a town on the Korana River in Karlovac County, is expected to become the host of Croatia's first track designed to the highest standards of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) within the next few years, opening the door to Formula 1 races. The International Croatia Ring Autodrome project has been in preparation for five years and has now been added to the list of strategic state investment projects.
The project's development has involved prominent names from the world of the fastest circus. Project leader and partner Davorin Štetner reveals that a former champion and current drivers have contributed their expertise. "Many people from Formula 1 are involved in the project. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 champion, has given a lot of advice. Drivers like Lando Norris and others have seen the project, and I've had many discussions with them. A lot of their influence and ideas are incorporated into the track, and I look forward to possibly bringing these people to Croatia," Štetner stated for Teleskop.hr.
The track will cover a total area of 50 hectares, stretching from Veljun to Blagaj near Slunj. The main attraction will be a 3.6-kilometer track, alongside which a range of supporting facilities will be built: grandstands with a capacity of around 15,000 spectators, service buildings, VIP lounges, garages, restaurants, exhibition spaces, and accommodation facilities.
Local residents view the project with optimism. Ivica Stanišić, a rental property owner who has already sold part of his land for the track and plans to integrate the remainder into the project, believes in the region's prosperity. "I think this entire area, along with us here, will fare much better, will prosper, and our young people will return from other countries," Stanišić said. His story already has a concrete outcome: when asked by a journalist whether his children would return, he replied, "Not maybe, but certainly. They've already handed in their resignations in Germany on November 1st and are coming back here. That's one of the reasons-the track."
From small rental owners to hoteliers, everyone shares a similar view. Viktorija Bosanac from the Sales and Marketing Department at the hotel emphasizes: "We believe this project will also spur our future development, such as opening wellness facilities for our guests-that's a small piece we're missing-and possibly increasing our accommodation capacity." The Mayor of Slunj, Mirjana Puškarić, stressed that the project's realization will lead to "enriching the offerings and expanding job opportunities for our youth."
Although the race track is the heart of the project, Štetner emphasizes that sport is only a small part of the puzzle. "It will also be a large concert venue; there will be car testing, car launches, track days, and various events for a wide audience. I can say that sport is a small part, while the larger part will be alive all year round through tourism," he explained.
Given the proximity of the Korana River, special attention is paid to nature conservation. Karlovac County has issued an environmental impact study, and County Prefect Martina Furdek Hajdin highlighted specific obligations. "A total of 34 measures have been prescribed that the investor, or the investment itself, must comply with. But here I would also emphasize the importance of an environmental monitoring program during construction and during the future operation of the autodrome. We are truly convinced that economic development can be achieved while preserving the environment and nature," concluded the Prefect. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to last about two years.
