This year, Vanagas has a new co-driver in Mindaugas Čepulis, who is more experienced in Rally Talsi. For him, this will be the sixth event in the Talsi region, and the second ever event with the Lithuanian motorsports star.

This will be the third Rally Talsi in your career. What comes to mind when thinking about this event?

Benediktas Vanagas: “Rally Talsi is one of the Baltic rallies that I respect for its level of organization. Every detail has been thought over, which goes hand in hand with how my team likes to work.”

Which is your favourite Rally Talsi stage?

BV: “I will be honest, there was a very long pause between the two times I competed in Talsi, so each time was like a completely new event. I am confident that, upon arriving this year after a shorter break, I will find some similarities. However, I will still not be able to really discuss having a favourite stage.”

What do you expect from this rally, what are your goals?

BV: “After winning Winter Rally, the car was left in the workshop and we have not driven it for nearly four months. We do plan to have two or three tests before Rally Talsi, but this is still too long of a break. With that in mind, our main objective in the rally will be to regain our pace and prepare for the Lithuanian championship.”

What do you think of the Rally of Champions tradition?

BV: “I believe that this is a great idea and a good way to attract the best drivers of the region. This again affirms how the organizers focus on the details. I am ready to shake hands with the organizers for a job well done – it is clear that they know what they are doing.”

Which motorsports discipline do you enjoy more – rally of rally-raid?

BV: “I have experience in rally, rally-raid and trophy-raid. Even though currently my primary focus is rally-raid, in my heart the top spot belongs to the king of motorsports disciplines – classic rally.”

What are your plans for this rally season?

BV: “This year we will be competing in the FIA Baltic Rally Trophy, which we won last year, and are looking to win again this season. We will also compete in the Lithuanian Rally Championship, and possibly do some regional events. This season will actually serve as year-long preparation for 2019, however I cannot tell you my plans for next year just yet!”

You will be able to hear more interviews with competitors on the Rally Talsi rally radio – Kurzemes Radio 106.4 FM – which will follow all the action and provide interviews from the stages beginning from 8:30 on Saturday, May 19.

Rally Talsi would not be possible without our supporters, so we would like to thank the rally city of nine hillocks – Talsi, sponsors Neste and Talce / SC Grupa, as well as the official car rental Sixt. We would also like to thank our supporters Canon IB Serviss, Krauzers, Ramirent, and Swecon. Thanks to our media partners Delfi, JCDecaux, Kurzemes Radio, Talsu Vēstis, and Zebra, for their informative support. The event would also not be possible without our rally friends – Alfa SLS, Dardedze Hologrāfija, Esi Draugs, Flora, FN Serviss, MeFab, Meža Dārzs, Red Bull, Sportland, Törley, Venden, and the Latvian Automobile Federation.

More information about Rally Talsi: www.rallytalsi.lv and http://autorally.lv. News and other information about Rally Talsi can also be found on social media: Twitter @RallyTalsi, Facebook /RallyTalsi, Draugiem.lv /RallyTalsi, and YouTube /RallyTalsi.

Jānis Unbedahts, Media officer, RA EVENTS. Photo: RA Events / MVFoto