The FIA WRC Rally Sweden had Prince Carl Philip and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in attendance where the latter was toured around too.
Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson are both in attendance at this week’s Rally Sweden, the second round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship season. Prince Carl Philip was a keen visitor to the service park and stages on Thursday and Friday, while Prime Minister Kristersson joined the WRC’s winter showcase on Friday evening, taking a lap of the Red Barn Arena stage with Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala behind the wheel.
Prime Minister Kristersson admitted that Prince Carl Philip played a major role in getting him to the rally. “He is one of the reasons for me being here because he has for several years described this adventure for me and encouraged me to be part of this fantastic circus. Several hundreds of thousands of people in Sweden want to be part of this and millions watch on television.”
Prime Minister Kristersson also spoke of Rally Sweden’s unique setting that makes it an iconic fixture on the WRC calendar. “I think we can offer something very special with the snow and the cold up here that is quite different to the race in Kenya, for example. For locals, we love this. We were brought up with this snow. If you live here in Umeå, you love winter sports.”
Prince Carl Philip has become a regular supporter of Rally Sweden going back a number of years. “It is very special to have an event like this coming year after year. It is massive, also for the local government and spectators. I think it is really important to have this event here,” he enthused.
A motorsport fan and successful circuit racer,the Prince was enthusiastic about the conditions the drivers are encountering this weekend. “The conditions are super, they almost couldn’t get better. There is going to be a lot of action taking place.”
Video: https://x.com/JariMattiWRC/status/1758772617471832366?s=20
[Note: The story is as per press release]