This will be your seventh start in Rally Talsi, what does this rally mean to you?

Alexander Mikhaylov: “Rally Talsi is like a celebration to me, as it is the first event after the spring break, and a great opportunity to meet all my friends. It is also a fantastically organized event, typically with good weather. For me, this rally is all about good emotions and a great mood – I am always happy to go to Talsi, as I consider it to be one of the best events in the Baltics, serving as a celebration for both the competitors and spectators.”

What are your expectations from this event?

AM: “This will be a difficult rally with very close battles – N4 class has a very strong entry list, and I hope to see the fastest Estonian, Lithuanian, and Russians crews compete here. I believe that it will be an interesting event. Hopefully the weather is good, as the Talsi region roads are quite difficult in wet conditions, and it becomes more of an endurance event than one testing outright pace. However, when the weather is good, the stages are very enjoyable, there is lots of adrenaline and fun in battling for podium spots.”

Which is your favourite Rally Talsi stage?

AM: “I cannot really highlight any particular stage, but I always have a good feeling in Pastende, which has a quick beginning, and then a more technical, narrow second part. I remember the stage quite well and always enjoy it.”

In 2017, you won your class. How do you plan to repeat this success?

AM: “We will drive quickly, but within our own pace, from the very beginning, and look at the times set for competitors, determining whether we can do something to fight for the win. This year, there are lots of fast drivers and coming out on top will be more difficult. For everyone, this will be the first rally after a break, so we will see how each crew does.”

What do you think of the Champions Cup tradition?

AM: “It is a great tradition – something that makes Rally Talsi unique. I believe that it should definitely be continued, as it attracts the attention of both competitors and spectators.”

What are your plans for this rally season?

AM: “We have an idea to test out cars from some other rally classes this year. At the moment, this is just an idea, but we are discussing it with Prospeed team, whom we have joined this season. We are looking at R5 and Proto class cars, and will possibly contest a few rallies in such a car.”

You will be able to hear more interviews with competitors on the Rally Talsi rally radio – Kurzemes Radio 106.4 FM – which will follow all the action and provide interviews from the stages beginning from 8:30 on Saturday, May 19.

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