In uncharacteristically warm and sunny conditions for this summer, lots of spectators had gathered for Saturday’s stages in Jūrmala, Biķernieki track, Ropaži and Vatrāne, to watch the battles for victories in the fourth round of the Latvian Rally Championship in LRČ, LRČ2, LRČ3, RK1, and RK2 classes.

In the most powerful all-wheel drive class, LRČ, the 16 year old Kalle Rovanperä (Škoda Fabia R5, co-driven by Risto Pietiläinen) showed a consistently quick pace. Jānis Vorobjovs (Mitsubishi Mirage R5, co-driven by Artūrs Žeibe) kept up with the Finnish driver on the gravel stages, but an engine and gearbox issue resulted in him finishing day one in second. Avoiding any major issues and showing great pace on the asphalt stages, Jānis Berķis (Ford Fiesta R5, co-driven by Edgars Čeporjus) finished the day in third position.

“I am happy with my result today. Had not expected Jānis Vorobjovs to be so quick on the gravel stages. Being first on the road, I was sliding around quite a bit. Overall, I managed to drive without any mistakes and increase my lead. Now I have to get ready for tomorrow and try to maintain my lead,” comments Kalle Rovanperä.

“Today was very intense. We did not get any sleep last night, as we tried to resolve an engine issue. I would like to thank my team mechanics, who managed to find the necessary spare parts and get the car ready for the rally,” says Jānis Vorobjovs.

In LRČ2, the current leader is World Rallycross Championship driver Reinis Nitišs (Mitsubishi Evo IX, co-driven by Māris Neikšāns), who has managed to gain a one minute and 4.60 second lead over Alexander Mikhaylov (Mitsubishi Evo X, co-driven by Normunds Kokins), whose car had multiple issues with the gearbox. Lithuanian Linas Vaskys (Mitsubishi Evo IX, co-driven by Laurynas Paskevicius).

“I got a good feel for the car on Thursday’s tests. With that, I could go all out from the first stage. Māris was not completely happy and occasionally had to correct something, but my pace and confidence grew with each stage. I tried to go a bit too quickly on gravel on a few occasions, and was lucky to keep the car on road. Return to Biķernieki was not as good as hoped, but it went well on the second run through. I feel great and am enjoying the event! Will try and push even harder tomorrow!” Reinis Nitišs comments on his experience so far.

In LRČ3 class, fight for the lead was between two young talented drivers. Mārtiņš Sesks (Peugeot 208 R2, co-driven by Andris Mālnieks) damaged their car on the last stage in Jūrmala, which made it possible for Oliver Solberg (Peugeot 208 R2, co-driven by Veronica Gulbaek Engan), son of legendary Petter Solberg, to take a 0.39 second lead after the first day. There is a close fight for third position as well, between Jonas Pipiras (Ford Fiesta R2, co-driven by Aisvydas Paliukenas) and Daņila Belokoņs (Ford Fiesta R2, co-driven by Toms Freibergs), who are separated by just 1.59 seconds.

“We started off cautiously. I did not want to start the day with any issues. We feel good and managed to jump a bit in Biķernieki. On the first special stage, we made an error with the tire pressures, so half of the stage was quite difficult for us. In Ķemeri, we had an error in the pacenotes, resulting in going into a corner a bit too quickly and hitting a tire barrier, which destroyed our bumper. Luckily, we managed to avoid a concrete pole, which could have ended our rally,” admits Mārtiņš Sesks after the first day.

In addition to the Latvian Rally Championship, drivers are also competing for victory in the third round of the FIA Baltic Rally Trophy. With all the leaders taking part, Kalle Rovanperä is the overnight leader, after finishing second in Talsi.

Meanwhile, Ričards Vīksna / Dzintars Ermansons (Honda Civic Type-R) are leading the RK1 class, and Edgars Balodis / Inese Akmentiņa (Mtsubishi Evo VIII) are the leaders in RK2 class.

Day one was exciting for Historic Rally Latvija crews as well. Ivars Velme (co-driven by Andris Velme) took the lead from the very first stage in his Audi Quattro A2. Estonian driver Karl Martin Volver (Fiat 124 B, co-driven by Ralfs Igaveņš) is currently in second. Throughout the day, there was an exciting battle between Māris Egle (Audi 80, co-driven by Aldis Egle) and last year’s winner Alari Sillaste (AZLK 2140, co-driven by Arvo Liimann), with the Estonians concluding day one ahead.

Rallysprint Latvija also took place on Saturday, with the competitors tackling seven special stages. A total of 20 crews competed for victory in five classes. Emīls Blūms (Mitsubishi Evo VI, co-driven by Didzis Eglītis) was fastest in the overall classification, despite getting a puncture in Biķernieki track.

Event results are on the official website of the Latvian Rally Championship at http://autorally.lv.

Latvian Rally Championship round Rally Latvija will conclude on Sunday, when the final five special stages will take place in Tukums region, Jūrmala (Kauguri), and the Biķernieki track. We would like to remind the spectators that Historic Rally Latvija crews will tackle the stages before the rally crews. Minirally Latvija will also take place on Sunday.

Rally Latvija would like to thank its partner, Jūrmala City Council, for their support in organizing a Latvian Rally Championship event, and would also like to thank sponsor Conti STL. Gratitude also goes out to Autobrava, Drift, Hydroscand, and Prodex, as well as supporters Biķernieki track, Canon, Maestri, Prodex, and Ramirent. Informative support is provided by TVNET, Tavs Auto, and RA Events.

More information and the results can be found on the official website of the Latvian Rally Championship at http://autorally.lv/, as well as on social media - Twitter, facebook, and YouTube.

Latvian Rally Championship round Rally Latvija has changed its usual autumn date and moved to the warmest month of the year, taking place on July 22 and 23. This year, Rally Latvija has been included in the FIA Baltic Rally Trophy calendar, inviting the competitors from all three Baltic countries! In addition to that, spectators will also be able to see Historic Rally Latvija, as well as Rallysprint Latvija, and Minirally Latvija as part of the event.

Jānis Unbedahts, RA EVENTS. Photo Raimonds Volonts