Grönholm first winner in Riga, Kristoffersson in the wall

As expected, this first final of the Latvian double-header kept all its promises. In good shape since the start of the day, at the top of the intermediate classification, winner of his semi-final and on pole in the final, Johan Kristoffersson was the big favorite of the race. But once again, the three-time world champion was not spared by luck.

Author of an excellent takeoff when the lights went out, the Swede positioned himself on the right line to take control of the final at the first braking but he was once again the victim of a racing event which he did not recover from. was not in control. So ready to take the turn, Johan Kristoffersson was hit by Niclas Grönholm. Helpless, the defending champion ended his race in the wall, putting an end to his hopes of a first success in this campaign.

With Johan Kristoffersson down, the final became a three-way battle between the Hansen brothers, Timmy and Kevin, and Niclas Grönholm. If the latter was under pressure from Kenneth's sons, he managed as best he could to outdistance them thanks in particular to his teammate Krisztián Szabó, inserted between the two brothers in 3rd position.

Timmy and Kevin out of reach, the Finn took the opportunity to perform his Joker in the 4th lap to then take the checkerboard with 4 seconds ahead of the first city and 6 over the second.

In the championship, Timmy Hansen remains in the lead with 107 points. He is pursued by his younger brother (96) and Johan Kristoffersson who nevertheless climbs back to 3rd place in the ranking, 26 points behind the leader.