The interview with Kaspar Koitla took place shortly before his test runs. He admits to being a little worried, but not scared, before his start: “It has been quite a while since I’ve last competed, around half a year if I’m not mistaken. This is a lot when it comes to rally, as you lose the feel for the car. However, we will have multiple test days before the rally to get our pace back and to be fully prepared for the rally. Of course, it will be a bit more difficult as usual, but rally itself is not an easy discipline. Having taken part in Talsi before is a considerable benefit, since most of the stages are known to me. I think that everything will turn out great!”

For Koitla and his team, this rally will serve as a measuring stick – they will be able to see where they currently stand compared to the rest of the field, and then be able to make a decision on what other rallies to compete in during the summer season. Kaspar readily admits that the team, drivers and the cars themselves need to be prepared at the highest level in order to make it possible to fight for the top positions. There are specific goals set for every rally Koitla and his co-driver Andres Ots take part in. Discussing rally, Kaspar says that it contains excitement, battles and competition – rally is definitely not a walk in the park, especially in Talsi: “The stages here are very interesting and technical – every rally driver who has raced here will admit to that – but this does not scare me, as I see it as an additional challenge. I would like to thank the organisers for all the work they have put into organising this event. Having been in Talsi before and after having discussions with other drivers, we have all come to the same conclusion – we feel welcome and are very comfortable here!”

Kaspar Koitla wishes for a fast and safe rally for both the spectators and organisers: “Since you are organising the event at such a high level, I’m sure that we will be able to make sure the weather in Talsi is nice in the weekend as well!” says Koitla, laughing.

Ieva Krūmiņa, Specially for Rally Talsi. Photo: Go4Speed.lv