During the anniversary “Rokiškio Grand Rally,” which takes place as early as August 13–15, the leaders of this season’s Lithuanian Automobile Rally Championship, Vaidotas Žala and Ugnius Vainevičius, will stand at the starting line. Having won the first three rounds of the season, the crew arrives in Rokiškis with considerably more freedom to strategize. Having triumphed four times throughout the ten-year history of “Rokiškio Grand Rally,” V. Žala considers Deividas Gezevičius and Rokas Steponavičius as his main rivals for the victory.
Until now, the strategy of the “NØRDIS Team” crew has been clear – to drive at the maximum and fight for victories. V. Žala and U. Vainevičius won all three championship rounds that have already taken place, creating a favorable situation for themselves in the championship ahead of “Rokiškio Grand Rally.”
Including “Rokiškio Grand Rally,” three rounds remain in this season. Following the anniversary competition, the championship participants will still face the Elektrėnai and Mažeikiai rallies.
“Our mood is significantly calmer than it was until now because we already have a stabilized situation. I can already focus on a much more conservative drive than before. During the first three races, we drove to fight for the win. Now we can already strategize because the situation is favorable. The math is on our side. Possibly, even a second-place finish would be enough. Psychologically, it is calmer, with less pressure,” said Vaidotas Žala.
However, a more conservative approach does not mean that the championship leaders intend to drive slowly.
“The speed of the leaders is similar, and for the one who pushes, the risk is highest. But this is a universal rule as the season gains momentum. Our form is good, we are warmed up, and we have the result,” stated the athlete.
“Rokiškio Grand Rally” is a special event for V. Žala. Over its ten-year history, he has triumphed here four times.
“It’s great to return to Rokiškis. We feel at home there. I don’t even know how many years we have been driving here. We’ve won races, and I’ve even named a jump after myself. Sometimes it feels like I’m originally from Rokiškis. Everything is already familiar here – both the infrastructure and where to eat delicious food. Truly, just like home,” smiled V. Žala.
Nevertheless, neither an excellent knowledge of Rokiškis roads nor four previous victories guarantee anything this year. Aside from his own duo with the co-driver, the championship leader highlights two other crews who, in his opinion, have the most realistic chances to fight for the absolute victory. According to Vaidotas Žala, both rivals possess not only enough speed but also a massive hunger to step onto the top step of the podium at “Rokiškio Grand Rally.”
“At this moment, besides us, there are two other names contending for the victory – Deividas Gezevičius and Rokas Steponavičius. They can definitely win; they have the speed, aggressiveness, and hunger. Everyone wants to be first, so truly, any one of our trio has serious chances,” V. Žala evaluated his competitors.
Deividas Gezevičius and Evaldas Kvederis occupy second place in the LARČ2 classification after the first three rounds, while Rokas Steponavičius and Dovydas Ketvirtis sit in third.
The qualification will also gain additional significance before the start of “Rokiškio Grand Rally.” The highest-ranked crews will have to tackle a qualifying special stage, after which the top ten leaders will choose their desired starting positions. In gravel events, the starting position can become an important tactical card depending on the weather and road conditions.
“Of course, everything will depend on the weather conditions and qualification. There are no guarantees, and anyone can take the victory. There will be intrigue, but we are driving with a calmer mindset. Naturally, history shows that such calmness can also backfire, but generally, the mood is good because we no longer have that kind of psychological pressure,” said the leader of the Lithuanian Automobile Rally Championship.
In the anniversary “Rokiškio Grand Rally,” 17 special stages and 134 competitive kilometers await the athletes. Part of the tracks this year will be completely new – participants of the Lithuanian Automobile Rally Championship will compete for the first time in newly discovered, technical special stages on the Jūžintai side.
Organized for the tenth time, “Rokiškio Grand Rally” will also carry an exceptional international weight this year. The competition taking place on August 13–15 will simultaneously serve as a round of the Lithuanian Automobile Rally Championship, the FIA European Rally Trophy, the “Tour European Rally” Championship, and the Lithuanian “Rally4 Trophy.” Strong Lithuanian and foreign crews will arrive in Rokiškis, making the battle between V. Žala, D. Gezevičius, and R. Steponavičius for the absolute victory just one of many intrigues at the anniversary “Rokiškio Grand Rally.”