Aava told ERR on Sunday: "I am calling on everyone - if you see a driver even just standing on the roadside - don't approach them for a conversation. It is a point of risk. We've already made the decision to restrict spectators from the service park area. That is reasonable."

Aava said he is glad that the rally round is available to be followed on many channels. "It is great that all rounds are broadcast on TV and available to be followed live online," he said.

The head organizer added that preparations are going along smoothly, with constant work being put in.

Aava noted: "We've been in lengthy communication with the Health Board (Terviseamet) during the preparatory process and, whether or not they'll cancel something, you'll have to ask them. We are currently working according to our plan and are looking toward the future for what we've agreed to with the Health Board."

He said the organizational team has done everything in their power, including separating spectators into groups and establishing as a matter of urgency a recommendation to wear a mask in the race area, regardless of which zone spectators are in.

As the newest WRC round, and the first to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, additional and more complicated roads have been constructed for Rally Estonia.

"We're talking of dozens of percentage points. We've done a lot of work on the new sections, which are significantly narrower and slower in terms of average speeds. But they're more complicated. I think it raises competitive pressure. Those who have driven here before will not have a significant advantage over those who haven't," Aava concluded.

WRC Rally Estonia will be held on September 4-6, in various locations in South Estonia. This will mark the return of the currently suspended WRC season, and will make Estonia the 33rd country to host a WRC round since the series started in 1973.

The round will span three days and will be held in traditional Rally Estonia regions in Tartu and Southern Estonia such as Kanepi, Kambja, Otepää and Elva.

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