The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round eight Tet Rally Latvia. Find out all you need to know below.
Championship Rundown
Yohan Rossel retained the championship lead after Rally Poland. Despite not contesting the event. Sami Pajari moved into second after winning the event. The Finnish driver now sits just 3 points behind Rossel. Rossel will be absent once again this weekend. This means Pajari should be able to take the championship lead after Rally Latvia. Oliver Solberg sits third in the championship, 7 points behind Pajari. Both drivers have a chance to pass Rossel this weekend. Jan Solans fell to fourth after Rally Poland, which he didn’t contest. The Spaniard now sits tied for fourth with Nikolay Grayzin, 13 points behind Solberg.
Thin Entry Sheet
Rally Latvia will probably be the shortest WRC2 entry list of all the European events. As just 19 drivers will compete in the class this weekend. This includes names such as Oliver Solberg, who is looking for the win this weekend. Alongside Gus Greensmith, Josh McErlean, Sami Pajari, Mikko Heikklä and Teemu Suninen. Outside of those few nobody really has a chance to contest for the win unless somebody either has a shocker of an event, or all of those drivers have issues. Brandon Semenuk is a notable name making his debut this weekend. As the 2 time American Rally champion will drive a Yaris Rally2. However, I don’t have high expectations of Semenuk this weekend. As it’s not only a new car and event but a whole different experience for the Canadian.
More Points On The Board
Less drivers in class means less pressure right? Well, that could certainly be true and will probably be the case. Obviously, this doesn’t mean everyone will take it easy and just finish the event. Points are still points and for guys like Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari every single one matters at this point in the season. As both are strong contenders for the championship. Neither of them will go easy on one another this weekend. Which is probably how they’d like it anyway. As nobody enjoys being handed points. Especially in a close championship battle.