For the fourth time, the Rally Sweden will be based around Umeå. In previous years, the shakedown stage has been a proper forest section, but this winter it will be different.
The shakedown will be held just outside central Umeå, utilising the riverside promenade along the Ume River.
Ideally, a shakedown should resemble the rally’s actual special stages, but this is not entirely the case by the Ume River. However, rally organisers assure that the roads used in the shakedown are a good reflection of the fast-paced nature of the rally, even though some sections are quite narrow.
According to the organisers, this is not merely a spectacle for the spectators. However, the shakedown is now more accessible to a larger audience, as it is within walking distance from central Umeå.
This unusual decision has sparked significant criticism and outright opposition from locals, including both residents and politicians. Despite this, the plan remains in place and has garnered some support as well.
The Rally Sweden will consist of 18 stages, covering a total of 301 kilometers. Umeå will host four spectator-friendly stages, including two short five-kilometer versions and two ten-kilometer versions. The Umeå stage will also once again serve as the final Power Stage of the rally.
The rally route has been updated slightly from last winter. Friday’s stages of Brattby, Norrby, and Floda have been replaced with Bygdsiljum, Andersvattnet, and Bäck, each run twice. Saturday also sees a new stage added, Kolksele.
The Rally Sweden is scheduled to run from February 13th to 16th.
The article was updated on 15 October at 08:42 CET: According to the organisers, the roads used in the shakedown stage are a good reflection of the rally itself, although they also make use of narrower pedestrian pathways.
