Driving Legends class cars is always exciting. Photo by Pille Russi
The HRX Estonian Grand Prix Suur Võidusõit (Great Race), which will be held at the Porsche Ring in Pärnu on 11-12 August, will feature the Estonian mototipas led by Hannes Soomeri, the 65th anniversary of Formula Estonia, the presentation of the Estonian supercar Kalana, and more than 30 competitors in the Legends class, which is the most competitive class.
Estonian motorcycle racing's number one Hannes Soomer is on the grid for the race in Pärnu and is hoping for rainy weather, as last weekend's experience at the IDM round on the Red Bull Ring highlighted his Honda's setup shortcomings on the wet track. "It would be good if it rained at the Grand Prix because then we would find a rain set-up that works in familiar conditions. The sixth round of the IDM is in just two weeks' time and we need to have all the answers by Assen," said Soomer, who currently holds second place in the German championship standings, of his expectations for this weekend's race at the Porsche Ring.
After a break of several years, Martin Pärtelpoeg will be back on track. "I'm going to "funn" and reminisce about old times," he says. said one of Estonia's most renowned circuit riders Martin Pärtelpoeg, who after a break of several years has decided to make a comeback for one race. In the Superbike class, Soomer and Pärtelpoje will be joined on the track by reigning Estonian champion Hanno Velt, Mihkel Osula and many other fast riders from Estonia and Latvia.
The Estonian Grand Prix celebrates the 65th anniversary of Estonia Formula One. Spectators will have the opportunity to see the historic Formula One cars on the pit lane as well as watch them race. Along with the Finnish Freestyle Formula One class, around 20 Formula One cars will take to the track.
At the Estonian Grand Prix, you can meet the builders and drivers of Estonia Formula One cars. "There will be a number of top drivers and constructors from the past, so I encourage spectators to talk to them and questions will certainly be answered," said Estonian GP founder and President of the Estonian Motorsport Association Toivo Asmer, who is also a five-time Soviet Union and ten-time Estonian Formula One champion.
The HRX Estonian Grand Prix will be the first time that the supercar Kalana, created by Estonian engineers, will be shown to the public. The car is powered by a V-8 engine, weighs 920 kilograms and develops 610 horsepower. Top speed is 280-340 km/h, depending on the settings.
The Legends class is the most well-attended class, with 33 entries. "The cars are evenly matched and there are plenty of contenders, so it should be an exciting race," said Asmer. "But there will also be exciting races in the other classes."
The competition will be accompanied by an entertainment programme, including a Reket concert. "There will also be activities for children, who may not want to spend the whole day watching the races," added Asmer.
On Friday, 11 August at 10.00, the practice sessions will start at the Porsche Circuit, at 14.10 the qualifying sessions and at 18.30 the three classes will start.
Saturday starts at 10.00 with motorcycle class races, at 12.30 starts the Reket concert, at 13.15 the opening ceremony takes place and from 13.40 to 19.55 the car races are held. TV channel Duo 5 will broadcast live on Saturday from 9.55 and will continue with short breaks until 18.00.
More than 130 cars and motorcycles are expected to take part in the HRX Estonian Grand Prix, the largest car and motorcycle circuit race in the region. The event is also part of the Finnish and Estonian championships.
Hannes Soomer will also be on track. Photo by Karli Saul
