Rally Estonia has grown from a local motorsport event into a significant fixture on the international rally calendar. Since its inception in 2010, the rally has evolved through various stages, eventually joining the prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2020. This transformation highlights the event's increasing importance and the dedication of its organizers to elevate its status.
Early Beginnings and Local Success
Rally Estonia began in 2010 as the Mad-Croc Rally Estonia,
part of the Estonian Rally Championship. The inaugural event was won by Markko Märtin and Kristo Kraag, who dominated all the special stages. In the following years, the rally gained popularity, with Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson becoming the first two-time winners in 2011 and 2012. By 2013, local driver Georg Gross, alongside co-driver Raigo Mõlder, claimed victory, further cementing the rally's reputation within Estonia.
The rally's early success was marked by its inclusion in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) from 2014 to 2016. During this period, the event attracted international attention, with notable victories by drivers like Ott Tänak and Aleksey Lukyanuk. The 2014 edition was particularly significant, earning the ERC Rally of the Year Award, a testament to the event's growing prestige.
Transition to International Recognition
In 2018, Rally Estonia took a significant step towards international recognition by becoming the Shell Helix Rally Estonia. This rebranding coincided with the rally's role as a preparatory event for WRC teams ahead of Rally Finland. The 2018 edition saw Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja secure a dominant victory, further boosting the rally's profile.
The following year, Rally Estonia became the first official WRC Promotional Event, showcasing its ambition to join the WRC calendar. The 2019 rally attracted over 52,000 fans and was broadcast in more than 100 countries, highlighting its global appeal. This success laid the groundwork for Rally Estonia's inclusion in the WRC in 2020.
Joining the World Rally Championship
Rally Estonia's inclusion in the WRC in 2020 marked a significant milestone in its evolution. The event became the 600th WRC event since the championship's inception in 1973, further solidifying its place in rally history. Local favorites Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja claimed victory, showcasing their prowess on home soil.
The rally's success continued in subsequent years, with notable performances by drivers like Kalle Rovanperä and Oliver Solberg. Rally Estonia's journey from a local event to a world-class competition reflects the dedication of its organizers and the passion of its participants, ensuring its place as a highlight on the international rally calendar.
