Now we are at the finish line, the fantastic Rally Sweden in Umeå 2024 has ended. Of course, we say an extra big congratulations to the winners in WCR1, Esa-Pekka Lappi from Finland and in WRC2 Sweden's own Oliver Solberg, who also won the class last year.

On behalf of the city of Umeå, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this exciting World Cup Rally. On snow and icy roads, the drivers showed exceptional skills and delivered a magnificent show. The fine weather naturally contributed to large crowds and celebrations throughout the rally week.

This year, 230 journalists from almost 30 countries all over the world have been in Umeå to watch the competitions. They came, for example, from Ecuador, from Japan, from the USA and of course from countries throughout Europe. At the Red Barn Arena this year we could count tens of thousands of spectators who followed the competitions.

We have not only had competitors out on the rally routes. This year, I also got the opportunity to fly forward from the passenger seat at breathtaking speeds and also leave the ground on the way into our fantastic Red Barn Arena. It's a drive I'll never, ever forget. The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristerson, also had this incredible experience.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend all participants for their commitment and sportsmanship. Above all, I want to express my gratitude to the FIA, WRC, Rally Sweden, the teams, sponsors and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this World Cup Rally a resounding success.

But of course the story does not end here. Now another three years await for Umeå as host of Rally Sweden. To those of you who have followed the competitions from a distance this year, we therefore say a warm welcome to Umeå and Rally Sweden 2025!