AThe final stage of the Latvian Rally Championship has passed. Rally Latvia, which this year took place in three cities - Riga, Jurmala and Tukums.

Absolute victory in the cup was won by Jānis Vorobjovs / Andris Mālnieks who won 12th place absolutely, fifth place in LRC3 class was won by ASRT teams crew Carl Martin Volver / Margus Joerands who had became Estonian champions in EMV4 2WD class before this stage. Although this time the talented Estonian rider failed to climb on the podium, the pilot was happy with this rally.

"The rally passed well, because this was a new experience for us on the asphalt where to drive fast, it requires precise and correct path. This was my first time on asphalt, so there is still much to learn to drive as fast as competitors. Now we are slowly starting to prepare for next year. We want to drive the four stages of the ERC and some Estonian Rally Championship stages, but in order to do this, we have to look for sponsors. We will work hard to achieve it, "says Karl Martin Volver, who added that, although this time he failed to climb on the podium, he is glad that he has successfully managed to reach the finish and concluded the season.

Fifth place inLRC2 class was won by Dmitry Feofanovs / Normunds Kokins, who spent the entire season solidly. "The rally was not easy. Initially I was upset about it as we went on the asphalt where we do not have much experience, but at the end the biggest challenges were the gravel stages. Overall, i am not satisfied with my performance. On the first day we were working hard, and I was happy with my speed, but on the second day, where there were difficult and long stages, we lacked strength. We drove slowly, " Dmitry Feofanovs is self-critical.

Finally, the third ASRT teams crew in the rally was Mareks Švarcs- Švampāns / Armands Lūkins who participated in rally sprint. Although the crew that was to debut behind the wheel of Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII at the finish won the third place in absolute and second in it’s class.

Photo: Dace Janova un Gatis Smudzis

"We did everything the way it was planned, the car was a stranger, we were not able to get accustomed with it. The main task was to finish, which we also succeeded because we did not think about results in this rally. We had technical problems at the final stage, so we are glad that we managed to finish. We wanted to enjoy the car, and now we are very happy. Yes, we failed to show a competitive time, but it was not the goal. Car, of course, is more advanced compared to ours, so driving it also felt easier and more enjoyable. If we could get more accustomed with this car, I think the result would be better."

Also, after the rally Marek praised ASRT team. "We managed beautiful season closing and I want to say a big thank you to ASRT team. I liked team's attitude, so we could enjoy a professional and pleasant teams attitude. Thanks to Ainārs Igaveņš and Mārcis Ķenavs. Hats off in front of them."