Latvian and Estonian Rally Championship, which happened on last holidays, successfully took place in Estonia, Tartu city and its neighborhoods. In total, 85 crews went to the starting line, among which were two ASRT crews - Siim Plangi / Marek Sarapuu and Karl Martin Volver / Margus Joerand.

This stage Plangi’s crew was able to do with elated feelings, because this was Mareks Sarapuu 100th rally, so the crew at this stage started with the number 100.

After the first day of the rally leader was Rainer Aus, but part six seconds after him was Plangi. Unfortunately, at the eighth stage Aus withdrew and Plangi took over, who held his position to the end and won. Thanks to this success Plangi became the Latvian and Estonian rally champion in class N4 one stage before the end of the season.

"Initially, the goal was to reach the finish no big adventures. But the feeling was good, so without undue risks, we were able to drive with Ausa pace. It was very unfortunate that he withdrew because we with him would be a good fight up to the end of the rally. Speed was not the main target this rally, but I have to say that, even without going to 100%, our pace was very good," says Siim Plangi.

"This was definitely one of the best season of rallies since the ability to win the Latvian and Estonian Group N championship titles, as well as the ability to triumph in Estonia in absolute championship cup. The rally will be definitely remembered in the future. Celebrations will happen after rally Saaremaa, which will be a very important rally. We will try to win there too."

"In general we had almost perfect year since we won almost maximum points in the Latvian championship, as well as in Estonia we won four out of five rallies," concludes Plangi.

A great rally also succumbed to the Volvers crew, which won second place. After the first day Volver was fourth, but at the second day speed had grown grown and they finished just behind Ralph Sirmach which for the young Volver is believed to be a very good result.

"The rally passed generally good - interesting special stages, accurate records and steady speed during the whole rally," says Karl Martin Volver. "After the Tallinn rally I slightly lost my confidence, but now I have slowly regained it. I am glad that we managed to produce good times and lead the fierce battle with rivals. The goal was to reach the finish in one

piece, but of course, it is also important to show good results, which we also managed this time. "

On the question what was missing to overtake Sirmacis, Volver admitted that he did not aim to overtake Ralph at any cost. "At this stage I did not have to overtake him because I drove at my own pace. Sirmacis is a good and experienced driver, so, in any case, It should have been difficult for me to fight him. For me it was important to finish, so I could then go to the Saaremaa rally, so this was more like a training. I will drive in rally Saaremaa and then I think that it will be enough for this season. Then there will be time to think about next season, " says Volver.

Photo: Mark Aleksejev