Latvian Rally Championship season to close with "Latvija" rallysprint
After the unexpected cancellation of the "Cēsis" rally, the LAF Rally Commission approved the "Latvija" rallysprint as the season-closing round, now set for October 31 and November 1 at the Biķernieki circuit.
The Rally Commission of the Latvian Automobile Federation (LAF) has decided to confirm the reserve round of the 2026 Latvian Rally Championship calendar – the "Latvija" rallysprint – as an official event. As before, the competition route will include both gravel and asphalt special stages.
At the same time, the commission approved a request from organizer SIA "Rally Latvia" to postpone the event by one week. The season finale of the Latvian rally season is now scheduled for October 31 and November 1.
Decision follows cancellation of "Cēsis" rally
LAF Rally Commission chairman Raimonds Strokšs explained that the decision followed unexpected news received the previous week about the cancellation of the "Cēsis" rally. The commission discussed several differing options for concluding the season and concluded that the champion should be determined on the special stages rather than through calculations. Weighing both financial and sporting considerations, the commission chose to hold the finale on home ground. Strokšs thanked organizer Jānis Krastiņš for managing, in a short time, to secure a full 88-kilometer route meeting proper rally-distance requirements, meaning the round will not carry a reduced points coefficient.
Organizer's comments and history
"Latvija" rallysprint organizer Jānis Krastiņš noted that the last time a Latvian Rally Championship round called "Latvija" was held was in 2017, when it was won by Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä, who later became a two-time world champion.
This year's rallysprint will also welcome participants from the Latvian Historic Rally Cup and the Estonian rallysprint cup. Since the event coincides with the finale of the Latvian Mini Rally Championship, the season's conclusion promises to be eventful. Krastiņš noted that the Biķernieki circuit can only accommodate a limited number of participants and urged interested competitors not to delay registration.
Calendar changes
The total number of rounds in the Latvian Rally Championship and Cup remains unchanged at five. However, the Latvian Rallysprint Cup, Historic Rally Cup, and Team standings seasons will be shortened by one round. Changes will also affect the calendar of the "Mārtiņš Sesks MRF Tyres Junior Challenge" young drivers' support program, which will be announced separately.
