G. Gross will take part in the competition with the very powerful ‘Ford Focus WRC’ that in the hands of a skilful driver becomes a hard weapon to beat for other competitors. Without even introducing himself to the list of rally participants, G. Gross convincingly announces that his goal is first place. Later the sportsman admits that many other sportsmen will also be fast, including the Estonian drivers that he knows well Martin Kangur and Ott Tänak, and that the competition might be severe.

‘I feel comfortable in the speed rides of Rally ‘Kurzeme’ – I really enjoy fast and winding roads and I will do everything possible to win this year,’ G. Gross is convinced of his abilities.

The confidence of G. Gross is justified, because he has won all four stages of the Estonian Championship this year. G. Gross has also climbed the honourable podium of Rally ‘Kurzeme’ twice – in 2010 and in 2011, but in 2009 he won 2nd place, yielding to the fastest Latvian driver of that time – Ivars Vasaraudzis.

20 year old M. Kangur will participate in the Rally with the newest generation sports car ‘Ford Fiesta R5’, which has not been seen in Latvia before. O. Tänak will start with a nominally weaker N4 group car ‘Subaru Impreza’, but his dangerousness is proven by the 3rd place in the overall standing he acquired in October last year at the World Championship stage in Sardinia. Although that time, O. Tänak competed with the much more powerful ‘Ford Fiesta RS WRC’.

Linda Brūdere, Press Secretary Speed Festival Rally ‘Kurzeme 2013’, Foto: Reinis Grīnvalds