WRC has debuted in Latvia
Last week, the historically first round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) took place in Latvia – Tet Rally Latvia, officially making Latvia the 37th country in the world to host a top-level rally. Organizing a rally of unprecedented geographical scope and complexity, preliminary data shows that more than 100 000 people visited the stages, various city activities, and other event-related venues. At the finish of Tet Rally Latvia, two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä from Finland, who began his career in Latvia and twice won the Latvian rally championship, stepped on the podium celebrating the overall victory.
In line with the event's status, the schedule for the historic first Tet Rally Latvia was equally expanded. The activities began on July 11th in Rīga with a special start event featuring Latvian crews, showcasing the performance of rally cars, and giving a symbolic start to the rally. Shortly after, on July 13th and 14th, test runs took place around Liepāja and Talsi, allowing crews to better prepare for the upcoming WRC round in Latvia.
The event schedule began on July 15th with administrative checks and document distribution at the Rīga Motormuseum early in the morning. This allowed the crews to start the three-day reconnaissance and pacenote preparation by running the first stage at the Biķernieki track. The final and most action-packed phase of Tet Rally Latvia started on Thursday, July 18th. The morning began with a Shakedown stage near Liepāja, followed by activities in Rīga. The opening ceremony took place at Rīga Town Hall Square, after which the crews headed to the legendary and spectator-filled Biķernieki track to compete in the historic first WRC stage in Latvia.
Over the next three days, from July 19th to 21st, FIA World Rally Championship crews travelled across nearly the entire Kurzeme region, getting a broad introduction to Latvia. Special stages, service park, re-groups, and other activities took place in Tukums and Tukums region, Talsi and Talsi region, Kuldīga and Kuldīga region, Dienvidkurzeme region, and the rally city Liepāja. While the first winner of the WRC Latvian round was determined at the Vecpils auto track.
“This were the most challenging event we have organized to date,” began Tet Rally Latvia director Raimonds Strokšs. “Having previously organized a round of the FIA European Rally Championship, we have faced many challenges, but this year's World Championship round required us to introduce many news solutions – higher in number and complex in nature. Moreover, rally activities often took place simultaneously in different locations, across several regions and cities separated by tens of kilometres. I must give a big thank you to my entire team for the execution of all planned activities and the immense amount of work!”
“Thank you to all the rally host cities for hospitality, and a special thank you to residents and businesses for their understanding in hosting a world-class event watched by approximately 80 million viewers via TV broadcasts. We are aware that the rally takes place on public roads, which are temporarily closed, and other restrictions are imposed. Each year, we review our operations to minimize this time as much as possible, and on rally days, we collaborate with residents and businesses near the stages to ensure they have the most unobstructed access possible.”
At the closing press conference at the Vecpils auto track, French rally legend Sébastien Ogier reflected positively on the Tet Rally Latvia. “A big thank you to all the spectators for their support and behaviour during the stages. You can be proud of Mārtiņš performance, proud of this event, and I hope that Latvia will retain its place in the WRC calendar in the future!” said the eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier.
“Ogier’s words are a direct testament to the results of our collective effort," later acknowledged Raimonds Strokšs. "This rally is impressive not only in terms of its geographical scope or the wide-reaching audience but also in the number of people involved in its organization. Some for a longer time, some for a shorter, but more than 2000 people participated in organising the event, and each of you was an equally important part of this rally. It is only through our selfless teamwork that we can receive such praise from a highly decorated champion who visited Latvia for the first time. A rally can only be as well-organized as the quality of work each of us puts in. And when it is, such work is noticed and appreciated. Thank you all for your efforts!” concluded Tet Rally Latvia director Raimonds Strokšs.
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.
Tet Rally Latvia, round of the FIA World Rally Championship, took place on July 18-21, 2024. The event was 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.
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.
