Prince Carl Philip was a keen
visitor to the service park and stages on Thursday and Friday, while Prime
Minister Kristersson joined the WRC’s winter showcase on Friday evening, taking
a lap of the Red Barn Arena stage with Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal Jari-Matti
Latvala behind the wheel.
Prime Minister
Kristersson admitted that Prince
Carl Philip played a major role in getting him to the rally.
“He is one of
the reasons for me being here because he has for several years described this
adventure for me and encouraged me to be part of this fantastic circus. Several
hundreds of thousands of people in Sweden want to be part of this and millions
watch on television.”
Prime Minister
Kristersson also spoke of Rally Sweden’s unique setting that makes it an iconic
fixture on the WRC calendar.
“I think we
can offer something very special with the snow and the cold up here that is
quite different to the race in Kenya, for example.
“For locals,
we love this. We were brought up with this snow. If you live here in Umeå, you
love winter sports.”
Prince Carl Philip has become a
regular supporter of Rally Sweden going back a number of years.
“It is very
special to have an event like this coming year after year. It is massive, also
for the local government and spectators. I think it is really important to have
this event here,” he enthused.
A motorsport
fan and successful circuit racer,the Prince was
enthusiastic about the conditions the drivers are encountering this weekend.
“The
conditions are super, they almost couldn’t get better. There is going to be a
lot of action taking place.”