Liepāja countdown: Rally route + maps

This one is a real treat for speed lovers. A feature in the ERC calendar since 2017, western Latvia’s rapid gravel roads have become a firm favourite with drivers and fans alike. 

The action gets underway on Friday at Liepeni, with Free Practice from 1500hrs followed by the all-important Qualifying Stage from 1715hrs. A good road position in this rally is vital - more on that later this week. 

Crews and cars will then return to Liepāja city centre later that evening for the ceremonial start from 2100hrs. An early night will be in order ahead of two flat-out days on the stages. 

The rally heads northeast of Liepāja on Saturday morning to the city of Talsi, where the opening leg is located. It starts with Strazde (9.40km) and Mundigciems (14.87km) before Kākiši (18.70km) leads the crews into a remote service at Talsi Airfield.

In the afternoon, the loop is repeated before a 180km drive back to the ​​Liepāja service park and overnight halt. 

Sunday’s route journeys east of the host city and features six challenging speed tests. In the morning, double passes of Vecpils (20.23km) - the longest stage of the rally - sandwich Dinsdurbe (6.42km) before a 30-minute service.

The final loop begins with Tebra (18.71km) and Podnieki (11.04km), with Tebra repeated once more as the bonus points-paying Power Stage finale. After that, it’s time to celebrate at the finish in Liepāja. 

The 12 stages total 181.28km.

• Full coverage from Tet Rally Liepaja will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.