Rally Opening Ceremony
The rally opening ceremony will take place on the afternoon of February 14. Starting at 5:00 PM, a DJ will warm up the city residents and guests in front of the Gulbene Municipality Council building, located at Ābeļu Street 2. An hour later, the official opening ceremony will commence on stage, featuring speeches, an honoring of Rally Sarma veterans, a fire show, a parade lap, and everything else expected at such events.
How to Find Special Stages?
Maps of the special stages and descriptions of spectator areas are available on the Latvian Rally Championship website, autorally.lv, under the "For Spectators" section. The spectator guide is suitable for both printing and saving on smart devices. Pre-planned Waze and Google Maps routes are available for all spectator locations. Simply use the QR codes to obtain directions to your chosen viewing spot. However, keep in mind that not all maps include every road, so especially for the ‘Ķelmēni’ and ‘Lūkins & Lūkins’ special stages, we recommend using a paper map as well.
Starting Order
A preliminary list of participants is already available. If you want to have the most accurate starting list at hand, check this webpage on Friday afternoon under the "04 Participants List" section. Please note that the published start times for the special stages refer to the first historic rally car competitor. Before and after these competitors, safety cars, known as ‘0’ crews, will drive through the stage. Only after them will the rally cars begin. It is important to mention that the "green light" – the sweeper car that opens the road for public traffic after the rally – will only enter the stage once the last competing car has finished that stage.
Dress Warmly
Given that weather forecasts predict a truly wintry temperature ranging from -8°C to -10°C, which may feel like -14°C, we strongly recommend dressing appropriately. Thermal underwear, wool socks, thick pants and jackets, hats, and warm gloves are a must. Also, consider wearing sturdy winter boots and bringing spare footwear to keep your feet dry and warm. A thermos with a hot drink is also advisable.
Make Sure You Have Enough Fuel
This year, there is no need to worry about a snow shovel, as the snow cover is quite decorative. However, remember that you should not head to the special stages with an empty fuel tank, as your car might be the best place to warm up.
Safety First
Winter rallying is particularly dynamic, and spectators must keep this in mind. Winter rallies are often even faster than asphalt rallies, so spectators must be especially cautious. Always follow the instructions of the safety personnel, never cross the track during the race, and never turn your back to the track – always keep rally cars in sight. If you are helping a rally car that has gone off the road, never grab the wheels or push the car by the wheel arches, as the studs on rally tyres can cause serious injuries. Also, remember that a road is only open for public use after the safety crew with a green beacon has passed through.
Take Your Trash With You!
Respecting other people’s property is crucial. When heading to a special stage in a field or forest, remember that you are a guest. Under no circumstances should you drive over crops, break young trees, or damage property along the track. Also, be sure to take all your trash with you – leave nature as you found it.
Tickets
Tickets for Rally Sarma 2025 can be purchased online via the ticketing platform eKase.lv. Tickets will not be available at ticket control points near the special stages. For those who have difficulty purchasing online, tickets can also be bought at the Rally HQ – on the second floor of the hall at Ābeļu Street 2, Gulbene. Rally Sarma continues to use personalized tickets, which are only valid with an identity document. The ticket price for the rally is €20.00. However, children under the age of 12 and persons with 1st group disabilities will be granted free admission. No tickets are required for the rally opening ceremony or the awards ceremony held near the Rally HQ.
What Else to Do in Gulbene?
Gulbene Municipality offers a variety of activities to entertain yourself and your family. Attractions include the Gulbene narrow-gauge train, a golf simulator at Avoti Recreation Park, and the Ski Museum in Tirza – just a few of the many experiences available. For more information, visit VisitGulbene.lv.
Social Media
All rally fans are encouraged to use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates and experiences. To ensure your posts reach the right audience, please tag @RallySarma and use the hashtag #RallySarma in your posts.
