The world of rally racing is buzzing with excitement as the TET Rally Latvia makes its highly anticipated debut in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar from July 18-21, 2024. This event takes over the slot previously held by Estonia, bringing fresh challenges and new terrains to the forefront. Based on Rally Liepāja, a notable round of the FIA European Rally Championship, TET Rally Latvia promises fast gravel roads and unique obstacles for drivers, many of whom will be competing in Latvia for the first time.
Rally Latvia Overview
The rally kicks off in the vibrant capital city of Riga on Thursday evening, featuring an opening super special stage at the Biķernieki circuit complex. Friday’s route, the longest of the rally with 120.92 competitive kilometers, will push crews to their limits as they navigate north-west from Riga without any mid-day service, relying only on tyre-fitting zones before the morning and afternoon loops. The stages, many of which are run just once, will challenge even the most seasoned drivers. Saturday’s action moves closer to Liepāja, punctuated by mid-day service, and the rally concludes on Sunday with a pair of stages run twice.
Driver Line-Up and Expectations
Reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä arrives with previous experience in Latvia, aiming to leverage this advantage. Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais return to action after missing Rally Poland due to an accident during reconnaissance, marking Ogier’s first competition in Latvia. Elfyn Evans, another top contender, also makes his Latvian debut. Together, they will push to close the 10-point gap in the manufacturers’ championship.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, led by 2024 season leader Thierry Neuville, will also feature 2019 world champion Ott Tänak and Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi. The Latvians Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis, who made history driving a non-hybrid Rally1 car in Poland, will step up with a Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID car prepared by the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team. Additionally, M-Sport Ford’s main drivers, Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster, are set to compete.
Stages and Challenges
As the rally progresses from Riga through Kurzeme to the coastal city of Liepāja, fans can expect a showcase of speed, skill, and strategy. The diverse terrain and varying stage formats will test drivers’ adaptability and endurance. The excitement is palpable as teams and drivers prepare for what promises to be one of the most comprehensive motorsport events ever staged in Latvia.
Conclusion
The TET Rally Latvia’s debut on the WRC circuit is a landmark event, bringing new challenges and unparalleled excitement to the world of rally racing. With a stellar line-up of drivers and teams, the rally promises to be a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. As we gear up for this historic event, all eyes are on Latvia to see how it shapes the future of the WRC.
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