(23.03.2023) The results of 16 special stages will decide who will be the winner of ORLEN 79th Rally Poland (19-21 of May). The participants of the oldest event in 2023 FIA ERC calendar will compete on stages known from previous editions of the rally, as well as on roads which have never been used before in Polish ERC counter.
Rally Poland is a part of FIA ERC calendar for the 53rd time. No other event has nearly as impressive history. This year ORLEN 79th Rally Poland will be held as round three of FIA ERC. Before coming to Mikolajki, where rally HQ and service park is located, ERC title challengers competed in the season-opener – gravel Rally Serras de Fafe (10-12 of March) and they will meet again in Rally Islas Canarias, round two of the series (4-6 of May).
– The previous edition of our rally was well received by FIA observer and WRC Promoter. This sets the bar high and makes us even more motivated. We have prepared a modified route, with as many as 180 kilometres of competitive sections. There are well known special stages in the itinerary, as well as some new challenges. The 2023 FIA ERC season promises lot of emotions. The list of entries and the level of competition during opening round were impressive. We expect a star-packed entry list of ORLEN 79th Rally Poland too, as ERC regulars will be joined by top Polish crews – said Krzysztof Maciejewski, Clerk of the Course.
The high-speed gravel battle in round three of 2023 FIA ERC will begin before opening ceremony, scheduled on Friday, 19th May, at 17:00 in Mikolajki. Before this, qualifying stage Baranowo (3,46 km) will be held. The results of qualifying runs are crucial in gravel events, as the fastest crews earn a right to choose starting position, which allows them to avoid sweeping loose gravel during leg one of the event. The first day of ORLEN 79th Rally Poland will be concluded with spectacular Mikolajki Arena test (2,5 km), where two crews compete simultaneously.
Saturday’s itinerary comprises four special stages, with three of them run twice. Loop will begin with SS Swietajno (18,58 km). The longest test in the rally will be followed by modified versions of SS Markowskie (13,53 km) and Wieliczki (17,35 km). Later, after service break nearby Golebiewski Hotel in Mikolajki, crews will tackle all three mentioned stages once again. Mikolajki Arena superspecial will conclude second day of ORLEN 79th Rally Poland.
Sunday in Polish ERC counter is packed with new challenges, with crews heading west of Mikolajki. The organisers prepared four stages, all run twice. The day will begin with two brand new stages: Barczewo (10,73 km) and Biskupiec (12,3 km). On their way back to Mikolajki competitors will cover SS Gmina Mragowo (9,4 km) and Mikolajki (6,68 km), which is a completely changed Mikolajki Max stage, known from previous editions of the event. Additional points will be awarded to five fastest crews on second pass of Gmina Mragowo test, held as Power Stage.
Finish ceremony is scheduled for 18:15 at Main Square in Mikolajki. Total distance of special stages is 182,06 km.
Tickets sale will begin on Monday, 27th of March. Top Racing, merchandising partner of ORLEN 79th Rally Poland will prepare numerous spectator zones.