Latvia officially inducted in the WRC calendar, Tet Rally Latvia set to happen on 18-21 July, 2024
A historic decision for Latvian motorsport was made today at the FIA World Motor Sport Council, approving the calendar for the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season, which includes an event in Latvia for the first time. The official name of the rally will be Tet Rally Latvia, and in the summer of 2024, from July 18th to 21st, it will cover the territory from the rally city of Liepāja all the way to the capital city of Riga, with special stages also taking place in Tukums, Talsi, Kuldīga, and the Dienvidkurzeme region. Latvia will become the 37th host country for a WRC event.
"Half of the dream's journey has been covered – the opportunity to host a WRC event in Latvia has been granted. Now, we must prove that Latvia has genuinely earned this chance. Through hard teamwork, patience, and the desire to highlight Latvia further on the world motorsport map, we will be able to present our country to thousands of spectators in person and to millions more through the media channels. Our country has both excellent athletes and excellent organizers. With pride and hospitality, we will welcome the world's rallying elite," expressed Anda Čakša, the Minister of Education and Science.
"Rally friends, there's no turning back for us – Latvia has been officially included in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. Already next summer, right here at home, facing the challenges of Latvia's scenic special stages, the world's fastest rally cars, driven by the most skillful rally crews in the world," says Raimonds Strokšs, the director of Tet Rally Latvia and RA Events.
FIA World Rally Championship’s, which was first held back in 1973, calendar for the 2024 season includes 13 events spanning from January to November spreading across four continents – Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. The 52nd season of the FIA World Rally Championship will kick off with the winter rallies in Monte Carlo and Sweden. Subsequently, the championship will travel to Kenya, followed by a return to Europe with events in Croatia, Portugal, Italy, and Poland.
The long-awaited visit of the WRC to Latvia is scheduled for mid-summer when the 8th round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Tet Rally Latvia, will take place from July 18 to 21. To organize rally that of WRC standards, Tet Rally Latvia is set to cover a vast territory in Latvia, with the special stages distance exceeding 250 km, and with liaisons, totaling more than 1000 km. This will provide both rally participants and spectators with an unforgettable opportunity to experience the natural beauty and charm of Latvia.
After visiting Latvia, the championship will then go to Finland and Greece, followed by a visit to Chile and the combined Central European Rally. The closure of the WRC 2024 season is scheduled to take place in Japan.
"I previously encouraged everyone not to be afraid to reach for distant and seemingly unattainable dreams because by putting in efforts and working courageously and purposefully toward their realization, these dreams can become possible! Currently, our dream's progress towards reality is affirmed by the decision made in the FIA World Motor Sport Council to entrust Latvia with the organization of a round of the FIA World Rally Championship," expressed Raimonds Strokšs, delighted by the planned and achieved progress.
"The WRC round is a unique opportunity for Latvia because over 800 million viewers worldwide follow the championship's events on television and digital channels! We anticipate that around 50,000 spectators will attend Tet Rally Latvia, presenting a proper challenge for the rally organizers as well.
At the same time, we also shoulder a tremendous responsibility and face a very complex job. Our goal, in organizing international-level sporting events, remains unchanged – to showcase to the whole world that Latvia is a wonderful country worth including in tourist destinations and to contribute to the country's and regions' economies through the event.
Many tasks and challenges lie ahead of us, and we hope that all the parties involved in this event will appreciate this unique opportunity, which has been a dream for years. Working together, we will be ready to host the WRC stage in the summer of 2024 - allowing Latvia's residents to experience this dynamic sport firsthand, right here in Latvia, and ensuring a hospitable welcome and a great time for foreign visitors in Latvia!" Raimonds Strokšs concludes.
Ticket sales for Tet Rally Latvia, both at Biļešu Paradīze box offices and on their website, will begin in just a few days, on October 23, 2023.