Preparation for Rally Talsi began in the afternoon in Pastende, when 16 crews took part in the shakedown stage. Jānis Berķis (Ford Fiesta R5) was the fastest, 0.89 seconds ahead of Elviss Hermanis / Gatis Veilands (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII), while Lithuanians Benediktas Vanagas / Mindaugas Čepulis (Škoda Fabia R5), who are also battling for the Champions Cup, set the third fastest time.

During the opening ceremony, the stage was taken by Talsi region chairman Edgars Zelderis, the three Champions Cup competitors, Talsi fashion dance studio Elfas, and Cūkmens, who gave a pledge against littering.

Jānis Vorobjovs: “These roads are more and more familiar each year, so Talsi is almost like home to me. Of course, experience is important and I am hoping that it will be useful this weekend. A while back, the Champions Cup was determined between drivers in N4 group cars. That is no longer the case, but the competition is still very tough. It is not easy to race against these fearless competitors, but we showed our pace last year in winning the Lithuanian championship. We will try to get back into a rhythm and thrill the fans, as we spent the winter racing a rear-wheel drive BMW M3, and just got back from Rally Galicia in Ukraine which we managed to win.”

Benediktas Vanagas: “I have competed in Talsi twice, so there are things I remember and will try to use this year. Overall, this rally will be a great way to begin the summer season. Latvians know how to organize events, and they are very close to my home. I have always loved fast rallies, and Rally Talsi is exactly that. Even though I have only done a single event in the winter this year, I did very well in the tests before this event. I was not able to show my best on the test stage, but we know what we were missing there and will make sure to solve everything before the start!”

Alexander Mikhaylov: “I would like to thank the fantastic Talsi crowd for the warm welcome. We have been very active in preparation for this event. This is my first battle for the Champions Cup and I am in great company! Tomorrow, I will be twelfth on the road, which should be beneficial, as the road will be in better condition than for my competitors, both of whom start before me. We will go flat out from the start and hope for the best!”

During the day, spectators had the opportunity to attend multiple exciting events – in Burgerfests they were able to try various foods and drinks, while the smallest rally fans enjoyed themselves in LGK inflatable attractions, but in Sportland fan tents the attendees had an opportunity to buy event souvenirs and meet with representatives of Talsu Jauniešu ideju Laboratorija (Talsi Youngster idea Laboratory) and their organized activities.

On Saturday, Talsi and its region – Mordanga, Pastende, Mundigciems, and Strazde – will host a total of ten special stages, during which the fastest and most durable crews of Rally Talsi will be determined, while the summer opening concert Lielais Blieziens Talsos 2018 will be taking place in the Sauleskalns bandstand.

Stage maps and viewpoint descriptions are available in the Spectator Guide HERE>

When attending Rally Talsi, it is important to remember that the tickets must be exchanged for wristbands before heading out to the special stages.On Saturday, ticket exchange points will work from 7:00, and all information about them is available on www.rallytalsi.lv.

SATURDAY, MAY 19>
09:30 SS1 CANON BIZNESA CENTRS – IB SERVISS (Mordanga)
10:15 SS2 NESTE 1 (Pastende)
12:10 SS3 DELFI – LAI SPRIESTU, JĀREDZ! (Mordanga)
12:55 SS4 NESTE 2 (Pastende)
14:00 Beginning of summer opening concert LIELAIS BLIEZIENS TALSOS 2018
14:40 SS5 TALCE SC GRUPA 1 (Mundigciems)
15:10 SS6 TALSI CITY SPECIAL 1 (Talsi city stage)
16:40 SS7 TALCE SC GRUPA 2 (Mundigciems)
17:10 SS8 TALSI CITY SPECIAL 2 (Talsi city stage)
18:40 SS9 SIXT AUTO NOMA (Strazde)

19:25 SS10 RAMIRENT IS MORE THAN MACHINES (Strazde)
18:00 RALLY TALSI historic regularity rally finish, next to the Talsi region council

20:30 RALLY TALSI finish, next to the Talsi region council
21:30 Awards ceremony at the Sauleskalns bandstand

Rally Talsi would not be possible without our supporters, so we would like to thank the rally city of nine hillocks – Talsi, sponsors Neste and Talce / SC Grupa, as well as the official car rental Sixt. We would also like to thank our supporters Canon IB Serviss, Krauzers, Ramirent, and Swecon. Thanks to our media partners Delfi, JCDecaux, Kurzemes Radio, Talsu Vēstis, and Zebra, for their informative support. The event would also not be possible without our rally friends – Alfa SLS, Dardedze Hologrāfija, Esi Draugs, Flora, FN Serviss, MeFab, Meža Dārzs, Red Bull, Sportland, Törley, Venden, and the Latvian Automobile Federation.

More information about Rally Talsi: www.rallytalsi.lv and http://autorally.lv. News and other information about Rally Talsi can also be found on social media: Twitter @RallyTalsi, Facebook /RallyTalsi, Draugiem.lv /RallyTalsi, and YouTube /RallyTalsi.

Jānis Unbedahts, Media officer, RA EVENTS. Photo: RA Events / MVFoto