However, the intense competition between the duo is limited to the rally tracks, as outside the competitions, the Estonians are actually very good friends.
Their latest tough battle was seen in July at the ERC Rally Estonia. That battle ultimately ended with Linnamäe’s victory, but only with a 2.2-second margin over Virves. Even before that, the duo had engaged in a tight contest at the Rally Poland in the WRC2 class.
Although the Estonian pair has fought tooth and nail for victories, it has not affected their relationship outside of the competitions.
Virves and Linnamäe have exactly two years of age difference. They were both born on 8 July. Linnamäe in 1998 and Virves in 2000.
According to Virves, the friendship between the pair has developed gradually.
“Last year we both were driving in the RedGrey team so we were basically team-mates last year and of course we have a birthday on the same day!”, Virves told to Dirtfish.
Although the pair get along well, the friendship is forgotten the moment the helmets are put on.
“I don’t really know about the others but I personally don’t have any problems with any drivers. Of course some drivers I maybe get along with more, for example like Georg, but during the rally we are rivals from the moment when we put on the helmet.
“But other than that… we were starting quite close to each other [last weekend] so mostly on the road sections we were stopped almost always together and then it was just normal stupid jokes until we got the helmets on again.”
Linnamäe feels the same way about his compatriot.
“Robert and I met when we were still both driving front-wheel-drive cars and, I don’t know I think it’s just sort of developed into a friendship through trying to… we were both trying to improve, and I think we saw an opportunity to help each other a bit and share information and what we had learned,” Linnamäe explains.
“I would say that in the end I still think he’s my friend – not just because I respect but because I just like him as a person, he’s a very nice guy.”
Next, the friends will compete against each other in Finland. Both Estonian drivers will be seen at the Rally Finland at the beginning of August.
