Ivars Vasaraudzis began his rally career 15 years ago and his first rally was in actually in Talsi, where he was co-driven by Valdis Spredzis. Since then, Vasaraudzis has competed in Talsi a total of ten times, five of which he won, with one second place and four retirements.

“I’ve had mixed success in Talsi – there have been multiple wins, but I have also had a few retirements due to technical problems. However, regardless of the results, I always have fond memories of this event!” begins Vasaraudzis, who last competed in Talsi five years ago.

“Together with Oskars, we took part in one rally as a “zero” car, and he enjoyed the experience very much. Since then, we have also done some other rallies in a similar manner, but now had the opportunity to take a step forward and compete in a rally as a competitors. I would like to thank Raimonds Kisiels, because of whom we are able to drive such a competitive car! This was an opportunity we could not pass up!” Vasaraudzis is very appreciative of the chance to take part in a rally again, having last competed for times in Rally Latgale 2011.

Ivars admits that the car is currently undergoing some final preparation work, so that it will be ready for some practice next week and be in a great technical condition for the rally. “We have not planned a lot of training and testing, but will do our best to manage at least some practice runs to get the racing feeling back, understand how the car behaves on the road and put some final touches on how the pacenotes should be read,” says Vasaraudzis.

Even though he didn’t want to predict his results in the rally, Vasaraudzis admits that he does not expect any “gifts” from either his competitors or the organizers and will happily race with the start number given to him by the organizers. “It is important to understand that a lot of our fellow drivers have put in tremendous work on improving their skills, which clearly shows in their improved pace. I have not raced for some time, and this will be the first competitive rally for Oskars. However, we are not going to Talsi just to have a good time – we are there to compete!!” Ivars Vasaraudzis is very enthusiastic before Rally Talsi.

rallytalsi.lv. Photo: Oļegs Patrejevs