(09.10.2023) In 2024 season ORLEN 80th Rally Poland will be the part of FIA World Rally Championship, the most prestigious series in rallying. As previously crews will compete on fast gravel stages, running through picturesque Masurian Lake District, while rally HQ and service park will be located in charming town of Mikolajki. The 80th edition of the most important motorsport event in Poland will be held on 27-30 June 2024.
– Almost half of our revenues come from abroad, which is why we are consistently involved in motorsport projects that guarantee us reaching millions of fans, effectively strengthen the global recognition of the ORLEN brand and thus support the business. We have been present in the Formula 1 paddock for five years. We cooperate with champions, including Robert Kubica and Bartosz Zmarzlik. ORLEN 80th Rally Poland in WRC calendar is not only a guarantee of brand promotion in the country, but also an effective tool for increasing brand awareness on foreign markets – said Daniel Obajtek, President of the Management Board – Chief Executive Officer ORLEN S.A.
Rally Poland is one of the most prestigious sports events in our country. The first edition took place in 1921, making it the second oldest event in the world, after the famous Monte Carlo Rally. In recent years, Rally Poland has been part of the FIA European Rally Championship. Now, thanks to ORLEN’s support, the event comes back to the WRC calendar.
– It was always our goal – to bring ORLEN Rally Poland back to WRC. It is a reason for us to be satisfied and proud, as the efforts of the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation have been successful. We made this happen thanks to the organization of the rally at the highest level, confirmed in the FIA reports, as well as very good cooperation with ORLEN S.A., our title sponsor, and a reliable, long-term partner. We can also always count on invaluable help from Mikolajki, who have been hosting the rally since 2005 and show exceptional skills in organizing major sports events. The return of the rally to the FIA WRC is certainly a dream coming true for fans who, as always, will come to Mikolajki numerously. We will host them with many safe spectator zones prepared especially to watch the rally stars such as Kalle Rovanpera, Sebastien Ogier, Ott Tanak, Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans, but also the top Polish crews. Event preparations are already underway. The 80th anniversary edition of the rally will be a unique sports event for everyone – emphasized Michal Sikora, President of Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
In 2024 Rally Poland will be held for the 80th time. It was a part of FIA WRC calendar for the first time back in 1973, when series has been established by FIA. For nearly two decades Rally Poland stages run through the Masurian Lake District, with the HQ located in Mikolajki.
– Mikolajki has been waiting for this decision since 2017. After many attempts, efforts, and determination of the Mikolajki local government, Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and finally the title sponsor ORLEN S.A., the Rally Poland secured its place in the FIA WRC calendar. For the inhabitants of the Mikolajki, as well as the region, the rally has become an event that everyone is waiting for. It attracts tens of thousands of fans who enjoy the attractions of Mikolajki and the surrounding area as well as the excellent tourist base. The return of the Rally Poland to the FIA WRC series is a sign of international prestige and a great way of promotion for Mikolajki, as well as the entire region of the Masurian Lake District – said Piotr Jakubowski, Mayor of Mikolajki.
And this is how Robert Kubica invites fans to this celebration of motorsport:
– ORLEN Rally Poland returns to the world rally championship calendar. I think this is the news that every rally fan in Poland and beyond has been waiting for. Once again, the world championship’s top drivers will show their skills on the gravel stages around Mikolajki, that I liked when I was a competitor. There is a great atmosphere there and Polish fans are amazing. That’s why I’m looking forward to this event. Let’s show that it deserves to be on the WRC calendar. Of course, we keep our fingers crossed for the crews representing the ORLEN Team. I invite everyone to Mikołajki next year. See you there.
Polish WRC counter could not be held without ORLEN Team drivers: Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Miko Marczyk.
– Rally Poland is very close to my heart, it is also a piece of Polish motorsport history. I remember each start in this event. It makes me smile because I gained valuable experience during each of my outings here. My first victory, back in 2010, tasted fantastic. Repeating this success a year later gave me even more energy. 2013 was a breakthrough year for me. We won the Rally Poland for the third time, competing against many crews in extreme weather conditions, and it was my maiden outing in R5 car. Moreover, having won Rally Poland in 2013 season, I clinched my fourth consecutive domestic title. Driving a rally car on fast, flowing Masurian gravel is always a great pleasure for me. I am very happy that Rally Poland is returning to the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. I am sure that it will be a spectacular WRC round, and Polish fans will show why they are one of the best in the world – said Kajetan Kajetanowicz, three-time European rally champion and WRC 2 runner-up.
– The return of Rally Poland to the FIA World Rally Championship calendar is a great moment. For as long as I can remember, Rally Poland has been an international event, and in recent years it was a part of the European Championship series. I am very happy that this event makes its comeback to top rallying series in current point of my and Szymon’s careers.
It is an event loved by all drivers and fans. Moreover, it’s a great way of promotion of the region and the entire country. We have great gravel routes and organizers ready to take on this challenge. I am glad that in 2024 we will proudly represent Poland and the ORLEN Team on Masurian gravel stages. The last three editions of the Rally Poland were very successful for our team – we finished all of them in top three, including victory in 2022 season. Next year we also intend to show our best performance among the best drivers in the world – said Miko Marczyk, two-time Polish rally champion.
* The 2024 FIA World Rally Championship calendar (with the round in Poland), prepared by WRC Promoter, is expected to be announced by FIA World Motor Sport Council (FIA WMSC) on October 19, 2023.