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Latvian prime minister opens new rx circuit in Riga

The newest rallycross circuit in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, Latvia's Bikernieki venue on the outskirts of Riga, was officially unveiled yesterday (Thursday).

A number of high-level government dignitaries attended the launch, including Latvian Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Transport Edgars Tavars, parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science Jānis Upenieks and the Mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs, among others.

"Today, when arriving in Bikernieki, my first impression was about a rebirth of this sports complex in higher quality than ever before. My second impression was that when good people come together, it is possible to accomplish great things. My third impression was about the fact that this will be an opportunity to showcase Latvia and that the Bikernieki track will also now be known far outside our country," said the Prime Minister. "I would like to thank the energetic and hardworking people behind this fantastic project. We have demonstrated that we can be the best, and will continue to do so in the future. Let us hope for more such victories for Latvia!"

The new circuit, which is 1294 meters in length with 60% sealed and 40% unsealed surfaces has been constructed over the last few months and features three jumps, the largest being in the loose section while the other two run next to each other on the joker lap and standard lap respectively. The circuit runs anti-clockwise, with eight left corners and four right. The designers' computer simulations predict that a top Supercar will lap the circuit in around 60 seconds.

"Today, we not only open a new section of the Bikernieki circuit, but also write a new chapter in the history books of the most notable sports events in Latvia. In its 15th year, the Bikernieki track reaches its highest moment yet and will host the best drivers of the planet," said Latvia's Minister of Transport, Uldis Augulis. "We confidently gave the green light to this idea and accepted this challenge, which also accelerates the Bikernieki track development, to experience exciting racing on this new section of the track both this year and in the future."

The venue will host its first ever event this weekend, a round of the North European Zone Rallycross Championship, where Latvian stars Reinis Nitiss and Janis Baumanis will both take part, before World RX teams and drivers take part in test sessions on Monday and Tuesday next week.

Zdroj: fiaworldrallycross.com