(09/05/2024) The maps of rally legs and special stages of ORLEN 80th Rally Poland were presented by the organizers of Polish World Rally Championship round during a press conference in Warsaw. 49 days before its inauguration, the level of preparation for the largest motor sports event in the country was also introduced.
Michał Sikora, president of Polish Automobile & Motorcycle Federation said:
– We shall see many interesting changes and significant differences in comparison with the previous editions of the event. The challenge was to find new roads for the stages and our team was successful. For several years, also during the European Championship rounds, we have been following the World Championship standards and it brings expected results. We pay even more attention to safety issues now and I hope that rally enthusiasts will also adapt to the highest level of safety standards.
Krzysztof Maciejewski, Clerk of the Course presented the route of the four-day competition
– After 7 years, we returned to the WRC family and decided not to take shortcuts. We have planned a full-format route with 19 special stages covering over 300 kilometers. We start on Thursday afternoon, but Friday promises to be a unique challenge for drivers. They have to drive as many as seven stages without visiting the service park and having a short brake at the tire fitting zone in Olecko only. Spectacular Stańczyki test, the longest in the rally (29.4 km) waits for the crews in the morning. Then the modified Wieliczki, and Olecko stages, the latter with the iconic Rosochackie jump, run in reverse direction to previous years. On Saturday highly rated Swietajno test is on schedule, as well as spectacular Goldap and Czarne stages. Sunday itinerary is less packed and includes two special stages run twice. Mikolajki Wolf Power Stage will conclude the competition with the final hundred meters at Mikołajki Arena track.
Kinga Fedorowska – ORLEN S.A. Sponsorship and Sponsorship Communication Director said
– Jubilee edition of the event as a round of the World Rally Championship is undoubtedly the biggest sports event in Poland this year. This is a challenge for ORLEN and it carries a huge potential that we want to use. Thousands of fans from Poland and abroad, who are also our clients will follow the action along the stages and in front of TV sets. Rallies are also extremely popular in the Baltic countries and our southern neighbors, the areas we intensively develop our brand. We also care about the presence of these fans. We are proud that thanks to our commitment, it was possible to have this great event back in the World Rally Championship calendar.
For the nineteenth time Rally Poland is run among the Masurian lakes, and its HQ, service park and rally fan park are located in the picturesque Mikołajki resort. Years ago, the Mikołajki Arena track was built there and everyone can admire head-to-head duels at the rally stadium. Piotr Jakubowski, the mayor of Mikołajki recalled the efforts regarding the construction of the track.
– The decision to build the track was not easy, but the risk which was taken paid off. This year, the surface at Mikolajki Arena was improved in accordance with the drivers’ suggestions. The city expands the infrastructure every year, including the hotel basis in order to create more and more comfortable conditions for the visitors. New asphalt roads are being built in the commune, but we do not forget about the core gravel roads on which the competition takes place. We still have over 300 kilometers of them in our commune! Mikolajki is hosting the World Rally Championship for the sixth time. We hope that newly elected local government will contribute to the organization of subsequent WRC rounds in the region.
Miko Marczyk, the winner of the 2022 rally edition emphasized the uniqueness of the competition with Polish fans around.
– Starting in front of your home crowd is a joy and it brings incredible emotion. The fans make us pressing the gas pedal harder and encourage to drive better and faster, even when we have moments of doubt. I have already competed five times in Masuria, and in Mikolajki I celebrated one of the first victories in my career. An interesting route layout, new stages and a competition with the best drivers in the world guarantee great event.
The ORLEN Team star and his co-driver Szymon Gospodarczyk programme covers ERC rounds this year but Miko has also confirmed his start in the jubilee ORLEN 80th Rally of Poland.