Māris Millers, rally organizer: “This year Rally Cēsis will bring together 49 Latvian crews out of the 72 entries – such a large number of local competitors has not been seen for more than 10 years. This proves that the event, with its classic gravel stages in hilly terrain, is important and necessary for the Latvian Rally Championship. We are truly delighted to host the season finale in Cēsis, to welcome the drivers at the opening ceremony in Vienības Square, and to celebrate the winners there on Saturday. This year we have worked on the stages, adjusted the routes, and added a new – or rather returning – stage in Anna. The Pērkoņi stage will be run in the opposite direction, and on Friday there will also be a night stage in the Vecpiebalga area. It will be an exciting rally in Cēsis, both for the competitors and the fans!”
The rally begins on Friday, September 19, when at 16:30 the ceremonial start will take place in Vienības Square, where spectators will have the opportunity to see the cars, meet the drivers, and take photos. Events in the city center are free of charge and open to all motorsport fans. The first stage, SS1 “Metālu Pasaule”, will start at 18:20, and SS2 “J&R grupa” will follow at 20:20, offering the first sporting battles as darkness falls. Both of the opening day’s stages will be held in the Vecpiebalga area, in Ineši parish.
On Saturday, September 20, the competition will continue with SS3 “Meža apsaimniekotājs” at 08:40, followed by SS4 “Cēsu novads” at 09:40 and SS5 “Europcar” at 10:40. At 11:10 the crews will head to the service park to check their cars and prepare for the second loop of the day. The service zone has been scheduled so that rally fans can watch the stages, visit the drivers, and then continue enjoying the afternoon runs.
After lunch the competition will resume with SS6 “Ciedra” at 15:15. Between the stages spectators are invited to stop in Zaube, near the “Skorpions” store, where the drivers will gather in the regrouping area. SS7 “SINHRO-C” will start at 17:00, followed by SS8 “PRINTMii” (Power Stage) at 17:25, closing the sporting part of the event. The culmination of the rally will be at 18:20, when the crews will cross the finish podium in Vienības Square, while the official award ceremony is scheduled to take place there at 21:00. Saturday’s stages will be held around Spāre, Līvi, Pērkoņi, and Annas regions.
More about the event can be found on the rally’s social media accounts – Facebook “Rallijs Cēsis”, Instagram and TikTok @rallycesis – as well as on the official championship website www.autorally.lv.
The spectator guide, including stage maps, viewing zones, and other useful information, is available HERE.
Tickets for spectators are available:
· In advance at www.bilesuserviss.lv
· On site at the rally stages
Tickets must be exchanged for a valid wristband:
· Friday, September 19
o Rally HQ, Ata Kronvalda street 40/18-1 (13:00–22:00)
o Vienības Square (15:00–19:00)
· Saturday, September 20
o Rally HQ, Ata Kronvalda iela 40/18-1 (13:00–17:00)