Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:43:00 +0000

The second stage of the RBR.LV virtual rally "Rally Sarma" has ended. Raivo Dabiņš was the fastest pilot, taking first place in all 6 stages. Just after the finish, he admitted he had minor technical problems again, but as you can see, this did not prevent him from being the fastest on the difficult tracks.

Here is an interview with the winner:

- Raivo, congratulations on the victory! What are the first feelings after winning a rally?

Thank you! Of course, the joy of winning and the upcoming prize, provided by the organizers, is pleasant.

- How do you rate your performance on difficult tracks?

As I was one of the first on the track, it was difficult to understand what pace to keep. While driving, it seemed that maybe I was too cautious somewhere, but when I saw the end result, I understood everything has turned out very well.

Of course, there was one "hot" moment in SS6, but luckily this time I got through with only a slight scare.

- I noticed you have changed the car. Why is the Ford Fiesta Rally 2 better than the previous Škoda Fabia R5 evo?

I would say almost all Rally2 and R5 cars within the RBR platform are very similar in terms of performance. There are some individual technical nuances for each car, but in general, if you work hard, you can "squeeze" the same result out of them. The choice of Ford for this stage was more like a "restart" for myself, as Škoda had unexpected technical problems on the Rally Alūksne.

- I heard you are considering upgrading your sim rig. There is a long break until the next stage, do you plan to upgrade till then?

It has been my thought for a long time, but lately I’m driving rarely and it always remaind only as an idea. This winter was a rare exception and I managed to race a lot more than pervious years but will see how it will be.

- What would you recommend to those who have recently started and are not used to difficult rallies and stages?

1. I would recommend to accumulate training kilometres and to set a specific goal for each practice, instead of just driving around. This will help you to focus on progress, improve your skills and time in the stages.

2. To think more about stability than performance for one stage or corner, as we can see - RBR unfortunately does not forgive mistakes.

3. Practice the stages that will be in the rally. Do not rush to go to the track use all possible days for training and only then show your best performance.

4. To study the onboards and driving technique of the fastest riders. Don't hesitate to ask for advice/help from the fastest and most experienced drivers.

- Maybe some additional comment?

It's a pleasure to watch how the RBR.LV community grows, and it's nice to see how many participants there were in the first two stages. Thanks must be given to all the organizers and involved persons who, I believe, currently ensure the highest quality of the Latvian Virtual Rally Cup competition that has ever existed. Let's all enjoy and see you at the next stage, hopefully in at least in the same amount.

- Thank you Raivo, and good luck in the next stages!

The tracks of Sarma this year were a test even for the most experienced drivers. The rocks hidden in the snow banks and the changing road surfaces surprised most of the participants. We remind you that the RBR.LV virtual tracks are chosen as similar as possible to the previously held "Rally Sarma" of the LRČ, which this time had three long stages, with variable speed and surface.

The SS1 stage seriously damaged the technical condition of the cars, but the service visit was only after 3 stages. Several pilots admitted they started the second lap much more cautions, in order to save car, and finished the rally in the highest possible position.

LRČ1 class winner Raivo Dabiņš. Ralf Igaveņš, who won the first round, took second place this time. Aleks Lesk from Estonia joined the third step of the podium, who started the rally more calmly, by picking up the pace and with a stable performance, he was able to show a competitive result.

1st place - Raivo Dabiņš

2nd place - Ralfs Igavenš

3rd place - Aleks Lesk

LRČ2 class, as usual, the fastest pilot was Gavin Peet. Already in the first stage, he damaged his car in one of the snow banks, and was forced to continue in LEG1 incompletely. After repairing the car in the service park, he regained his confidence. In SS5 he achieved a very good result, taking the world record on this track in the R4 class! Edmunds Grostiņš took a solid second place, just like in the previous round. Third place Oskars Bergmanis.

1st place - Gavin Peet

2nd place - Edmunds Grostiņš

3rd place - Oskars Bergmanis

LRČ3 class FWD fastest driver Gabriel Simson, competed in a Peugeot 208 Rally 4. He set a very fast pace in SS6 and took risks in several places. The risk paid off and he set the world record time in the class, also scoring maximum Power Stage points. The second place was taken by the experienced Toms Kinens. In third place is Roberts Binovskis, who recently won the first season of the LatvianRacingLeague in the new EAWRC game.

1st place - Gabriel Simson

2nd place - Toms Kinen

3rd place - Roberts Binovskis

LRČ4 class, Atis Gromovs with a BMW E36 was the fastest of the RWD drivers. He participates in this year's LRC with a similar car, and also took part in Rally Sarma. In second place Viesturs Priede - the mistakes made on the track properly tested the strength of the equipment, but the finish was reached with a relatively good result. Lauris Aizderdzis participates with the historic Volvo 240, taking third place.

1st place - Atis Gromovs

2nd place - Viesturs Priede

3rd place - Lauris Aizderdzis

We congratulate the winners and see you at the summer stages, which will take place after a longer break. Mark the date 20.06 on your calendars, when the next stage "Voru Ralli" will be held. Until then, stay tuned and participate in training and test rallies organized by RBR.LV!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:59:00 +0000

RBR.LV season continues with the second stage - "Rally Sarma", which is considered as the winter classic of Latvian rally. In the region of Gulbene, winter has gained strength, and the icy roads are covered by a deep layer of snow. Compared to last year, the organizers have prepared even longer stages, so that the participants can enjoy snowy roads. Drivers will compete in 3 different stages in two loops (about 90km in total). The format of the rally is compact - all 6 stages must be completed in one day, not so much time is allocated for service (30 min). To achieve a good result, the crews will have to rely on their own competencies.

As you know, learning to drive in winter can only be done by practicing, so we wish everyone to prepare properly, put their equipment in order, take warm tea and a shovel.

See you in a few days. Good luck everyone!

Virtuālā rallija līga Latvijā - Rally Sarma