This year’s rally made history as, after a fifteen-year break, a Latvian crew - Emīls Blūms and Didzis Eglītis - triumphed in the overall standings. In a tense battle up to the final kilometers, Blūms had to maintain his composure to keep Jānis Vorobjovs behind. "Of course, we came to win and expected tough competition, and that’s exactly what we got. It’s always easier to chase than to defend the lead, and this time we also had to deal with technical issues, but we made it to the finish," Blūms said after his victory.
Rally Director Vilhelms Sniedzāns emphasized: "Sarma has always been a rally with a unique character. We are proud to offer such exciting and technically challenging stages that allow drivers to showcase their skills. This year, the competition was extremely dynamic - changing conditions, icy sections, and fast segments made every kilometer and every second count."
Results of the 2nd Round of the Latvian Rally Championship:
LRC1: 1. Emīls Blūms / Didzis Eglītis (LAT), 2. Jānis Vorobjovs / Estere Zakmane (LAT) +1:18.23, 3. Kaspar Kasari / Allan Birjukov (EST) +2:32.32
LRC4: 1. Travis Pärs / Aigar Pärs (EST)
LRC5: 1. Emīls Blūms / Didzis Eglītis (LAT), 2. Jānis Vorobjovs / Estere Zakmane (LAT) +1:18.23, 3. Kaspar Kasari / Allan Birjukov (EST) +2:32.32
LRC6: 1. Markus Tammoja / Ott Mesikäpp, 2. Dans Leščs / Jānis Vīksna (LAT) +1:42.58, 3. Jānis Grīnbergs / Jānis Strazdiņš (LAT) +3:37.28
LRC7: 1. Jānis Cielēns / Salvis Rambols (LAT), 2. Kerli Vilu / Arvo Liimann (EST) +2:27.34, 3. Marius Dainys / Justinas Vainiūnas (LIT) +2:44.33
Junior Classification: 1. Travis Pärs / Aigar Pärs (EST), 2. Kerli Vilu / Arvo Liimann (EST) +2:10.35
Results of the 1st Round of the Baltic Sea Rally Championship:
Class 1: 1. Paulius Beniušis / Kristupas Adinavičius (LIT)
Class 3: 1. Travis Pärs / Aigar Pärs (EST)
Class 4: 1. Emīls Blūms / Didzis Eglītis (LAT), 2. Jānis Vorobjovs / Estere Zakmane (LAT) +1:18.23, 3. Kaspar Kasari / Allan Birjukov (EST) +2:32.32
Class 5: 1. Markus Tammoja / Ott Mesikäpp, 2. Dans Leščs / Jānis Vīksna (LAT) +1:42.58, 3. Jānis Grīnbergs / Jānis Strazdiņš (LAT) +3:37.28
Class 6: 1. Jānis Cielēns / Salvis Rambols (LAT), 2. Kerli Vilu / Arvo Liimann (EST) +2:27.34, 3. Marius Dainys / Justinas Vainiūnas (LIT) +2:44.33
Results of the 2nd Round of the Latvian Historic Rally Cup:
HRC11: 1. Kristaps Dzīvītis / Mārtiņš Rudevičs (LAT), 2. Māris Erts / Matīss Erts (LAT) +51.04, 3. Intars Rezakovs / Elvijs Zebuliņš (LAT) +2:20.97
HRC12: 1. Kristaps Lācis / Ivars Lācis
Results of the 2nd Round of the Latvian Rallysprint Cup:
RSC8: 1. Jānis Vorobjovs / Estere Zakmane (LAT), 2. Guntis Lielkājis / Vilnis Miķelsons (LAT) +1:14.11, 3. Jurģis Meisters / Guntis Slaidiņš (LAT) +2:54.67
RSC9: 1. Dans Leščs / Jānis Vīksna (LAT), 2. Jānis Lazdiņš / Armands Jugans (LAT) +24.72, 3. Kārlis Dzenītis / Mārcis Mālers (LAT) +27.36
RSC10: 1. Kerli Vilu / Arvo Liimann (EST)
SSV14: 1. Toomas Veske / Robert Kikkatalo (EST), 2. Rolands Puravs / Ingars Sakne (LAT) +4.90
Jānis Vorobjovs, who has competed in Rally Sarma 28 times, praised the organizers' efforts: "The stages are well thought out - there are sections where you can build up speed and sections that demand maximum concentration. Sarma always surprises with something new, and this year was no exception."
Diverse and Challenging Stages
This year, Rally Sarma 2025 stages were particularly diverse. The first stage combined the legendary Gārša and Kamalda roads, offering sections with varying speeds. The second stage, incorporating parts of the Zaķukāji and Trošku tracks, proved to be one of the most challenging of the rally. The third stage surprised drivers with its icy surface and technical forest bends, requiring extreme precision and courage.
The rally organizers extend their sincere gratitude to all supporters who made this high-level competition possible. Special thanks go to the Gulbene Municipality, which has always been a reliable partner in the development of the rally, as well as to the event’s sponsors - local businesses and farms that have contributed to making this an unforgettable celebration for both drivers and spectators.
With Rally Sarma 2025 coming to an end, participants and fans are already eagerly awaiting the next edition - Rally Sarma 2026!
