The tenth anniversary “Rokiškio Grand Rally” will take place in Rokiškis on August 13–15. The only rally in Lithuania with the status of the FIA European Rally Trophy will bring together not only the strongest Lithuanian but also foreign crews this year. Over three days, competitors will overcome 17 Special Stages, the total length of which will reach 134 kilometers.
Organisers have prepared not only an updated Special Stage route for the anniversary competition, but also pay special attention to the safety of spectators. This year, rally fans are invited to watch the competition in four official spectator zones, where the best conditions will be created to enjoy the sporting spectacle.
As the organiser of the competition Audrius Gimžauskas said, this year rally map has expanded even more – the route includes completely new Special Stages in the Jūžintai area, where participants of the Lithuanian automobile rally championship have not raced before.
“This year rally map has expanded even more and we found Special Stages where LARC participants have never raced. Those stages are on the Jūžintai side. Special Stages are really technical and I find it strange how we didn’t find them before. Now they were suggested by the Jūžintai elder, who invited us to go and see them together. After passing by, we realized that it was really worth organising several Special Stages here.
We will organise these Special Stages instead of the risky ones that previously caused problems due to the surface in bad weather conditions and had to be canceled. These Special Stages are much better and suitable for driving in any weather conditions. It’s nice that we still find Special Stages in Rokiškis district, we don’t go to other districts. Other Special Stages have been used before – in one or the other direction. Some have been shortened or extended,” said Audrius Gimžauskas.
However, the organiser emphasizes that the most important innovation this year is not intended for athletes, but for spectators. In order to ensure maximum safety and comfort, four official spectator zones will be set up throughout the rally, where those gathered will be able to watch the competition from carefully selected locations.
“However, the most important information is that we will have four spectator zones during the competition, to which we invite rally spectators. We certainly do not suggest driving through the forests and looking for interesting places – over the years we have already cleared out those places that are interesting, attractive and safe, which is why we have set up spectator zones there.
Spectators will have all the infrastructure for comfortable and safe observation of the competition – there will be places to park cars, there will be toilets, security personnel, and in some zones there will be live commenting. We strongly suggest going to watch the rally only to spectator zones,” said the organiser.
According to Audrius Gimžauskas, additional attention this year is also paid to informing spectators. Everyone who purchases a ticket will receive the most important safety information and recommendations on how to safely watch the rally.
“Each spectator will receive a leaflet with their ticket. There will be a QR code on it, which the spectator will scan to find a full safety information about dangerous places. As organisers, we encourage you to avoid doing anything on your own and to set up camp only where we have prepared the best conditions for observation,” said Audrius Gimžauskas.
“Sostena”, the official DACIA dealer in Lithuania, has provided the safety cars for the “Rokiškio Grand Rally 2026”. DACIA vehicles will also be used by delegates, observers and stewards throughout the entire rally.
The organisers remind that this year’s ‘Rokiškio Grand Rally’ will be held in accordance with the requirements of the FIA European Rally Cup, therefore the highest international safety standards will be applied to both athletes and spectators. That is why rally fans are urged to follow the organisers’ instructions, not to choose random places in the forests and to watch the competition only in official spectator areas, where both safety and comfort will be ensured.
