Jari-Matti Latvala made it two wins from two starts in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, as he and co-driver Tuukka Shemeikka won the Historic Vltava Rallye in the Czech Republic today.  Using their Toyota Celica GT4, they recovered from a small turbo issue to convincingly win the event in style.

Chasing them home were reigning champions Tibor Erdi Jr and Istvan Kerek.  The Hungarian driver was also suffering mechanical challenges on the event in his upgraded Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4.  3rd gear was lost for day two, but Erdi never stopped battling and was rewarded with 2nd in FIA Category 4 and the J2D class.

Completing the finishing podium was FIA Wildcard Vojtech Stajf, with Veronika Havelkova alongside.  Winners of the rally in 2024, the Czech team also had challenges.  Clipping a chicane meant a time penalty on one stage, but towards the end of the event, the Celica GT4 was suffering electrical problems.  A temporary fix enabled Vojtech to get the Racing 21 team car to the end.

Irishman Donagh Kelly was the first 2WD car home in his BMW M3.  A rally long battle with Belgian rival Pieter-Jan Maeyaert came to end early on day 2. The Belgian driver went off the road, clipped a wall, and was unable to continue in the event.  Kelly pressed on to claim a strong points haul in Category 4, and a class win in J2C.

Will and Karen Graham made a steady start to the event, but the British driver upped the ante with each passing kilometre.  Despite a blistered hand from so many gear changes in their BMW M3, the Flexifly Rally Team driver produced an excellent drive on day 2 to secure 2nd in class to Kelly.

Category 3 was won by Spanish crew Jesus Ferreiro Perez and Javier Anido.  After a strong class win on Rally Costa Brava, the due once again set the pace in Czech Republic to take the honours in their Ford Escort RS1800.  Long time EHRC supporter Ville Silvasti made the long journey from Finland to the event in his Lancia 037 Rallye. With former WRC co-driver Risto Pietilainen on the notes, the duo enjoyed a trouble free run through the rally, enjoying the stages in their iconic Group B car.

French pair Bertrand Metivier and Fabrice Garin made their Czech debut this weekend.  They put their Ford Escort RS1600 to good use as they secured their first Category 2 win in FIA EHRC. Metivier really enjoying the new challenge of a European Championship this year as a former French Historic Champion.

In Category 1, championship stalwart Antonio Parisi took the honours in his Porsche 911.  Fellow Porsche driver Enrico Brazzoli, with Martina Musiari alongside also thoroughly enjoyed the event in their Group B Porsche 911.  After recently competing in modern cars, the Italian is loving his return to Historic cars this year.

After a great drive in his Skoda Favorit, Olda Kovarik Jnr and Marek Kapic looked set for both the Front Wheel Drive and 1600cc Trophy honours. Sadly, an eventful day 2 included a broken gear lever, before a transmission failure meant an early end to proceedings.  Their misfortune meant good news for the VW 1303s of James Calvert and James O'Brien.  They looked set for 2nd in the 1600cc Trophy, but Kovarik's retirement promoted them to a well earned win.

The championship moves to the South of France next for Rallye Antibes.  The French classic uses stages best known for their inclusion in the Monte Carlo Rallye over many years. Classics including Greolieres and Col du Bleine lie in wait for the crews heading to the Cote du Azure in a few weeks time!