Latvia to make world rally championship debut in 2024

The world rally championship will visit Latvia for the first time next year with Poland making its return on the 2024 WRC calendar released on Thursday.

These two form part of a 13-rally season, and take the place of Mexico and Estonia.

Monte Carlo once again acts as the traditional curtain-raiser at the end of January.

Sweden then stages its snow and ice show before drivers face an altogether different test in Kenya.

Poland and its lightning fast gravel roads are back for the first time since 2017 in June, with Latvia making its WRC debut the following month.

WRC promoter managing director Jona Siebel commented: "Our return to Poland and our debut in Latvia underscore our commitment to delivering a fresh and exciting WRC experience for fans and competitors alike."

Chile again plays host to the South American leg with the season finale in Japan in November.

Defending world champion Kalle Rovanpera will be hoping to wrap up his second straight title at next week's Central European Rally in Austria, Czech Republic and Germany.

The Toyota driver holds a 31-point lead over his teammate Elfyn Evans ahead of the penultimate round of the 2023 championship.

2024 WRC CALENDAR

Monte-Carlo - January 25-28

Sweden - February 15-18

Kenya - March 28-31

Croatia - April 18-21

Portugal - May 9-12

Italy - May 30-June 2

Poland - June 27-30

Latvia - July 18-21

Finland - August 1-4

Greece - September 5-8

Chile - September 26-29

Central Europe - Oct 31-Nov 3

Japan - November 21-24