The long-standing desire of motorsport enthusiasts will come to fruition next Saturday with the organization of the Erniope Rallysprint by the Ardatz Motorsport club. This event marks the end of a fifteen-year break and will be contested on the roads connecting Azpeitia, Errezil, and Bidania-Goiatz, starting at 10:00 AM.
“"We are very happy because this year we have dared to take the step, and we will make our wish come true thanks to the town councils of Azpeitia, Errezil and Bidania-Goiatz, the Basque Automobile Federation, the sponsors, the residents of Errezil and the many volunteers who will help us organize the race."
The race has generated considerable anticipation in the region, drawing a large crowd to the presentation event. A total of 46 drivers and their respective co-drivers have registered. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the number of participants, despite expecting more, and highlighted the presence of significant drivers.
Half of the participants are from the region, including several well-known names. For instance, Aitzol Apalantza from Lasao will compete with a Hyundai 120N Rally 2, and Iñaki Alberdi from Azpeitia will drive a Porsche 997 Gt3 Cup. Four drivers from the town of Errezil will also participate: Aitzol Apalantza, Gurutz Agirretxe, Iker Zinkunegi, and Amets Irulegi. The latter, a 21-year-old, will make his debut with a Citroen Saxo, with the primary goal of finishing the race.
The event will commence on Saturday, April 25, at 10:00 AM, in front of the Lapatx landfill, concluding in Bidania-Goiatz. The 13.7-kilometer route will be covered in four stages: two uphill in the morning and two downhill in the afternoon. The road will close at 09:00 AM and is expected to reopen between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Organizers have urged the public to ensure citizen safety and environmental cleanliness, and have expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance of volunteers, without whom the race would not be possible.
