The high-speed gravel rally is likely to be omitted from the 2024 calendar with neighbouring Latvia already confirmed to be joining next year’s schedule. Long-time European Rally Championship event, Rally Liepaja, is expected to take Estonia’s place.
Estonia made its WRC debut in 2020 by becoming the first rally of the WRC’s return from its hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rally has since grown to become a favourite among drivers thanks to its fast yet challenging stages, meticulous organisation and the impressive turnout from spectators.
Despite a government budget cut for this year’s edition, the rally continued to attract large crowds. Spectators flocked not only to the stages but the service park and the ceremonial start and finish, where this year a new “meet the crews event” took place in the country’s second city Tartu.
The rally has become reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera’s favourite on the calendar and this year’s runaway winner was quick to express his disappointment that the WRC is unlikely to visit Estonia next year.
“This rally is proper enjoyment, I love the stages and the event is organised very well. It’s a big shame that we won’t be here next year,” said Rovanpera.
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville believes Estonia has set an example for other events to follow and believes it is a “mistake” the championship is not heading there next year.
“The event itself was a great event and to be honest the stages look really good on the recce and they held up quite well, it was a pleasure to drive," Neuville told Autosport.
“This is what an FIA WRC event should look like. I think it is one of a kind and I hope in the future we will have more such events.
Source: Autosport