Latvian driver comments after historically first WRC special stage in Latvia
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On the evening of Thursday, July 18, the historic first FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) round in Latvia, Tet Rally Latvia, started at the Biķernieki track in Riga. Three Latvian crews also started in WRC Latvian round – M-Sport Ford manufacturer team driver Mārtiņš Sesks, along with co-driver Renārs Francis, achieved fourth position among the fastest WRC crews. Meanwhile, Matīss Mežaks / Arnis Ronis and Artūrs Priednieks / Jānis Kirkovalds secured 13th and 16th positions respectively in the WRC2 championship results.
Latvian best rally driver Mārtiņš Sesks began his second WRC rally with an impressive performance. He finished the first special stage of Tet Rally Latvia, SSS1 Biķernieki Track, in fourth place, just behind WRC champions Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier, as well as this season's leader, Thierry Neuville.
“It was amazing! We lost some time on the second lap, because of the soft tyres, but it is still amazing. I went too wide on some places, but I think the fans loved it. I could not hear the crowd at stadium, but I hope that everyone is happy. Thanks to all for coming here this weekend, we can feel your support,” Mārtiņš Sesks
Two Latvian crews made their debut on the world stage starting in the WRC2 championship – Matīss Mežaks / Arnis Ronis and Artūrs Priednieks / Jānis Kirkovalds. After the first 11.13 kilometers of Tet Rally Latvia, Mežaks holds the 13th position among the Rally2 cars, while Artūrs Priednieks is in 16th place.
"Basically, everything went according to the plan I had in my head. I didn't push too hard in the tricky spots, tried to understand the car, and the second lap already felt much better. We did not take unnecessary risks because we really want to drive on the gravel tomorrow, so we were a bit more cautious here. We probably will not risk too much tomorrow either, we will drive at a steady pace to feel the car's behaviour, and then maybe try to increase the pace more. Sitting in the car, of course, I didn't see the huge crowds in the stands that I saw in the broadcast, but when driving into the corners in the forest part, I saw a wall of people. That was cool, I do not think Biķernieki has ever been so full. I am eagerly looking forward to tomorrow!" says Matīss Mežaks.
"It was really cool, another new experience for us – driving on asphalt with gravel tires, so we tried to train every turn. Sometimes a bit too wide, sometimes just right, but overall it was great. For tomorrow, we need to calm our emotions a bit and I have to carefully listen to what my co-driver says, and be cautious because the stages are challenging. It was amazing to feel the emotions of the spectators, with people raising their hands and cheering in the corners, and the stands were full. I can't remember the last time I was at an event with so many people in the stands here. I think Raimonds has achieved everything he planned, at least in Biķernieki, for sure!" says Artūrs Priednieks.
Tet Rally Latvia tickets available at Biļešu Paradīze online store www.bilesuparadize.lv.
News and other information about the Tet Rally Latvia, round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), available at www.lvrally.com, as well as on social media X @LVRally, Facebook @LVRally, Instagram @lvrally, and TikTok @tetrallylatvia. While, news about the FIA World Rally Championship available at www.wrc.com.
Tet Rally Latvia, round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is set to take place on July 18-21, 2024. The event is possible thanks to the support provided by Ministry of Education and Science, rally city Liepāja and capital city Rīga, as well as municipalities of Tukums, Talsi, and Kuldīga. Special thanks to general sponsor Tet, many thanks to our main sponsors Ramirent, Sportland, and X3000, official car partner Toyota, as well as sponsors BTA, Fristads, and SIXT. Thanks to our partners Canon Biznesa Centrs Liepāja, Latvijas Valsts meži and municipality of Dienvidkurzeme. Informative support provided by news portal DELFI, Kurzemes Radio, Sporta Avīze un Talsu Vēstis. Thanks to Tet Rally Latvia supporters shopping malls AKROPOLE, AOK, Ballīte Ballītē, Biķernieku trase, Conti STL, Conway, CSDD, DHL, Eco Baltia vide, Elnetworks, Flora, FN Serviss, Getic, Jānis Pūce, Löfbergs, Liepāja Special Economic Zone, MB Grupa, Mission Latvia, OCT Composites, Peltors, Rentadisplay, Rīgas Brīvostas pārvalde, Riga Motormusem, SignTech, Swecon, Swan, Törley, Travel Latvia, as well as technical partner Sports Racing Technologies. Tet Rally Latvia is organised by RA Events in cooperation with Speed Festival Kurzeme and Latvian Automobile Federation.
Tet Rally Latvia supports initiatives carried out by Latvian Children's Support Centre,
who has created and are developing social rehabilitation facility for children with special needs.
We invite you to support this initiative, by making a donation here: http://www.lbaf.lv/lv/ka-ziedot.