the 2026 motorsports season kicks off this week with the Alūksne Rally in Latvia, a combined event serving as the opening round for the Latvian, Estonian, and Latvian Rally Sprint Championships . A record-breaking 95 teams have entered, anticipating challenging winter conditions with temperatures dipping as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The rally, slated for January 23-24, will test drivers on icy and snow-covered stages, beginning with nighttime competition on Friday.
The Latvian Rally Championship is set to kick off with the Alūksne Rally on January 23-24, marking the start of a new season for motorsports enthusiasts. This event will also serve as the opening round for both the Estonian Rally Championship and the Latvian Rally Sprint Cup, featuring 15 competing teams, as well as the first stage of the Latvian Historic Rally Car Cup with 8 entries.
A record-breaking 95 teams are expected to participate in the upcoming rally, according to the official entry list available here. This surpasses the previous high of 93 teams that competed in the Alūksne Rally in 2018, signaling a surge in interest and participation.
Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis, currently considered Latvia’s fastest rally duo, will lead the field with the first starting number, piloting their SRT PROTO 02. The next five teams will follow, all equipped with Rally2/R5 technology. Notably, ERČ competitor Filip Ares will make his debut in a winter rally, while Karl Martins Volver, a fast Estonian driver, will be at the wheel of a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, starting fourth.
Sixth on the starting grid will be Ralfs Sirmacis, the 2025 LRČ5 class champion, partnered with Māris Kulšs in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII. Following closely behind are Jānis Vorobjovs/Artūrs Žeibe (Mitsubishi), Kalvis Blūms/Raimonds Zeiļuks (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo), and Edijs Bergmanis/Ivo Pūķis (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX), among others.
Adding a personal touch, Sesks’ car will display the number 22, while Stroks’ will feature 44, commemorating his recent birthday.
The competition will see a strong presence of BMW vehicles, with 26 teams entered, alongside four teams opting for GAZ automobiles. Miks Ķenavs and Didzis Eglītis will start 83rd, driving a BMW E46.
The rally begins on Friday with two laps of a 19.16-kilometer stage in the dark, totaling 38.32 kilometers. Saturday will feature the remaining six stages, covering a distance of 65.12 kilometers.
“It’s fantastic to see such a strong turnout from the competitors, clearly demonstrating their confidence in winter conditions,” said Juris Osis, one of the rally organizers, in a statement to Go4speed. “We’ve got excellent conditions – ice, snow, and snowbanks to lean on. The temperatures have been as low as -20 degrees Celsius in the mornings, but it’s manageable when it warms up to -10. A key element this year is that the top 10 fastest drivers after the first day will have their starting order reversed for Saturday, ensuring an exciting competition for the spectators. This means Friday will require both speed and strategic thinking.”
“We encourage spectators to come prepared with warm clothing, a bonfire, and a positive attitude,” Osis added. “And please, let’s be responsible and take everything we bring with us, preserving the beauty of the forest.”
Izmantotie resursi:
Sākums – Go4speed
