Penultimate round of Estonian championship means that it is thereby a very important as we speak about standings in Estonian championship. And one title can be secured as Georg Gross and Raigo Mõlder, driving Ford Focus WRC are strong leaders in overall class.

The biggest buzz is around 4WD or N4 class. Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja were winners of this class in both rallies they were taking part – Rally Tallinn and Grossi Toidukaubad Viru Rally. They will be present also in Rally Kurzeme driving Subaru Impreza and fighting for the points as they are at the moment second in Estonian championship. With points from Power Stage they have collected 55 points. So they can’t afford any mistakes if they want to fight for the title as series leaders Timmu Kõrge and Erki Pints have had very solid season so far. Only setback was Rally Tallinn where they scored only 12 points as they were 4th in N4. After the heavy crash in 300 Lakes Rally they are using Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9 prepared by Harju KEK instead the EVO 9 they had before. The fight to the podium is very tight as Alexey Lukjanuk and Alexey Arnautov are third (49 p). Rainer Aus and Simo Koskinen are fourth (32 p). Also both Egon Kaur and Siim Plangi are the ones you should watch in Kurzeme, championship hasn’t went very well for them so far but they will be for sure fast in Kurzeme.

In 4WD+ class, which brings together all other 4WD cars beside N4 and WRC are the leaders Allan Ilves and Kristo Tamm (67 p), second place Arsi Tupits and Oliver Tampuu (60 p) and third place Vladimir Ivanov and Oleg Zimin from Russia (53 p). In Rally Kurzeme Martin Kangur and Andres Ots are also competing in this class. As they driving Ford Fiesta R5 it is a first time for this car to compete in Latvia. Kangur and Ots are driving Fiesta R5 second time, first one was in Rally Estonia were they were fifth overall and it is expected for them to fight for the podium places in Rally Kurzeme. This also is for them good preparation before FIA ERC round, Rally Poland.

It is expected that Georg Gross and Raigo Mõlder driving Ford Focus WRC will secure their Estonian autorally championship title in Rally Kurzeme. Gross and Mõlder who are first in the road in Kurzeme have won every rally in Estonia this year. They are leading in overall class (109 p). Timmu Kõrge and Erki Pints are holding second place in overall class (55 p) and third are Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja (39 p).

2WD (A, N, R) class leaders are coming to Rally Kurzeme straight from Rally Deutschland. JWRC regulars Sander Pärn and Ken Järveoja, who are third in Junior WRC are leading Estonian championship (71 p). Martin Kangur who is driving in Rally Kurzeme 4WD car won’t get points in this class but Rainer and Rauno Rohtmets, holding third place (56 p) are willing to score maximum points.

In National class BMW M-Power rules. Ago and Kalle Ahu are leading the class, they have collected 56 points. Toomas Vask and Alar Tatrik are second (32 p). Only one point behind them are Andrus Vahi and Alo Ivask and two points behind Einar Laipaik and Siimo Suvemaa who will miss Rally Kurzeme.

Good news for Estonian spectators is that rallyradio, Rietumu Radio (105,8 Mhz) speaks also Estonian as Marek Lindmaa will join Latvian radio team in studio. Spectators guide is also in Estonian and you can downlod and print it from www.lrc.lv where also live results will be available.

Margus Kiiver. Photo: Timo Anis, Ray Põder.