Hosting the fourth round of the 2024 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), the Sumatra Utara Rally marks a celebrated return to Indonesia from 2-4 August. After a hiatus since 2019, this prestigious event will once again take place in the picturesque PT PP Lonsum plantation area in Serdang Bedagai, with its base in North Sumatra’s vibrant Medan city.
As the largest city in Indonesia outside Java, Medan boasts a rich history and a dynamic cultural landscape. From its origins as a humble village in the 1590s, Medan has grown into a bustling metropolis, offering rally enthusiasts a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Event Overview
Total Distance: 201.49 km
Number of Stages: 10
Stage Distance: 171.86 km (All Gravel)
Longest Stage: SS 3/6 Rambong Sialang C – 22.38 km
Shortest Stage: SS 7/10 Rambong Sialang A-Reverse – 13.37 km
Service Park: Rambong Sialang Service Park
Rally Headquarters: Rambong Sialang, Lonsum Estate
The event will kick off with the Ceremonial Start on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Alun-Alun Sergai, Regent of Serdang Bedagai. The rally will conclude with a ceremonial finish and prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Lapangan Bola Garahap Rambong Sialang.
Participants and Competition
This year’s rally features seven teams competing for points towards the Asia Cup and eligibility for the overall championship title to be held in November. Notably, six teams are racing in Rally2 specification cars, while A. Aldio Oekon drives the only AP4 car, originally built by New Zealand’s Force Motorsport.
The 2024 Sumatra Utara Rally includes 10 special stages utilising a combination of repeat and reversed-direction roads through the Rambong Sialang estate. This layout offers multiple spectator locations and easy access for fans to see the cars in action, ensuring an exciting and engaging experience for all.
Weather and Conditions
The weather forecast for the weekend predicts highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms expected. Participants and spectators are advised to prepare for variable weather conditions.
Medan City and North Sumatra
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is a city rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. It started as a village called Kampung Medan in the 1590s and has grown into a major metropolis. Medan’s diverse cultural influences, stemming from its Malay, Mandailing, and Karonese roots, make it a fascinating location for this international rally.
North Sumatra province stretches across the island of Sumatra between the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca. The province features a broad, low plain along the Strait of Malacca and rises to a mountainous region dominated by Lake Toba, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano. This geographical diversity adds to the allure of the rally’s challenging routes.
For more information and event results visit www.northsumatrarally.id
Entry list details are available here.
