February 13 to 16, 2025, it’s time again for a new round of Rally Sweden in Umeå, in northern Sweden. As the only rally in the World Championship circuit, Umeå offers sparkling snow, exciting competitions, and a fantastic festival atmosphere. “It feels very exciting to start the planning work again and warmly welcome rally fans and sports journalists worldwide. Through the agreement signed between FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and Rally Sweden, we will hold competitions in Umeå for the next three years, which gives us good planning conditions and allows us to aim even higher in terms of the event,” says Erik Åström, Event Director at Rally Sweden.
Erik Åström, who is also the chairman of the Vännäs MK motor club, which so far has been responsible for five competition stages during the World Championship rally, says that Umeå and Rally Sweden offer a fantastic environment for rallying, with snow-covered landscapes and challenging competition stages. Work is underway to review existing stages and plan several new ones for the 2025 competitions.
“I think there is an excitement and drama in the World Rally Championship in Umeå that simply must be experienced on-site. Even though we have much work left to do, I can already promise some new stages that will mean fast and tough conditions for the drivers,” says Erik Åström.
Rally Sweden, once again awarded the highest environmental certification by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) this spring, aims to continue working towards an even more climate-smart rally. There is a drive to be climate smart, such as the production of electricity in Umeå, which comes from hydropower and wind power, but also from Toyota, which supplies all the cars to the rally organisation, running either on electricity or being hybrids.
Gabriella Hed Vall, CEO of Visit Umeå, emphasises that the competitions in Umeå are a unique experience for drivers, fans, and journalists. Rally Sweden has a family-friendly atmosphere, and she wants to see a broad palette of visitors this year, including women, men, young and old. In addition to various events in connection with the rally, restaurants, shops, and experience activities will be open.
“Rally Sweden is a festival and an event for the whole family. Therefore, we are looking forward to once again welcoming rally enthusiasts from all over the world to Umeå. Tickets are now released. Don’t forget to book travel and accommodation in good time to ensure you don’t miss anything from the event,” says Gabriella Hed Vall.
