- A duel of 4 champions in 82nd Rally Poland
- Competitors from 19 European countries
- Number “1” for FIA ERC leader
(16 July 2026) A record of 148 crews will compete on the special stages in Silesia during the last weekend of July. Sixty driver/co-driver pairings will take part in the 82nd Rally Poland, the fourth round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), with 17 of them also scoring points in the KIQ Polish Rally Championship (RSMP). The RSMP entry list also includes 22 additional crews whose sole priority is the national championship.
The Silesian asphalt roads will also host 22 crews competing in the Millers Oils Historic Polish Rally Championship (HRSMP). The 82nd edition of Rally Poland is accompanied by the 10th Rally Silesia, a round of the Southern Poland Rally Championship, which has attracted 44 crews. Fans will be able to watch all 148 colourful rally cars in action from 28 spectator zones, all with free admission.
Heading the entry list for the 82nd Rally Poland is European Championship leader Teemu Sunninen (Škoda Fabia RS). The Finn has competed on Poland’s gravel roads four times before, but this will be his first appearance on the Silesian asphalt stages. Starting with car No. 2 is European champion and two-time Polish champion Miko Marczyk (Škoda Fabia RS). The Łódź driver already has a Rally Poland victory to his name, having won in 2022, as well as three Rally Silesia victories (2019, 2021 and 2025). Andrea Mabellini (Lancia Ypsilon Rally2), who celebrated victory at the finish line at the Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium during the 2024 FIA ERC season finale, will compete with car No. 3. The Italian will make his debut in Poland with Lancia’s latest Rally2 car, which has not yet been seen in competition in the country.
Other leading contenders include Swede Isak Reiersen, experienced Romanian Simone Tempestini, and Czech drivers Dominik Stříteský and Erik Cais (all driving Škoda Fabia RS cars). Potential surprise challengers include Ireland’s William Creighton (Citroën C3 Rally2), France’s Tristan Charpentier (Škoda Fabia RS), and Spain’s Roberto Blach (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2).
The spectacular ERC3 category is expected to feature an intense battle between Finland’s Ville Vatanen (Ford Fiesta Rally3), France’s Lucas Zielinski (Renault Clio Rally3), and Irish drivers Casey Coleman and Craig Rahill (both Ford Fiesta Rally3).
The same is true in ERC4 and the Junior ERC championship, where Silesia will welcome a host of Europe’s most promising young rally talents.
One of the highlights for rally fans will undoubtedly promises to be a sensational showdown between the most successful Polish rally drivers of recent years, who have never before competed against each other in Rally Poland. Kajetan Kajetanowicz—a three-time European champion, four-time Polish champion, and three-time Rally Poland winner—will be chasing his fourth Rally Poland victory on the special stages of his native Silesia. His rivals will include Miko Marczyk, reigning Polish champion Jakub Matulka, and Jarosław Szeja, who won the Polish title in 2024 and currently leads this season’s national championship. All four Polish champions are also among the favourites to challenge the international field representing 19 European nations.
The “Magnificent Four” took part in the official press conference ahead of the 82nd
Rally Poland, where the event’s entry lists were formally presented.
“Rally Poland is undoubtedly the most important and prestigious motorsport event in our country. I am incredibly happy to stand at the start once again, and this year’s edition is truly symbolic for me, as the rally visits my home region. Competing on the Silesian asphalt stages always carries an immense emotional charge – these are the roads where I grew up as a driver. The European Championship status and the presence of an absolutely top-tier field, both domestic and international, guarantee a split-second battle from the first to the very last meter. For me, it is not only a sporting challenge but also an immense source of pride to perform in front of my home crowd. We are in for an incredibly exciting weekend and great, unforgettable emotions for the fans, who will surely create a unique atmosphere in Silesia, as they always do” says Kajetan Kajetanowicz.
“Starting in such a prestigious event on my home turf is a source of immense satisfaction for me. I feel truly special in Silesia – this is where I began my rally journey, and it was on these stages, together with Szymon Gospodarczyk and the entire team, that we celebrated our first major successes. I look with great admiration at how the Silesia Rally has developed over the years, becoming a round of the European Rally Championship for the second time thanks to the tremendous work of the organizers. I can’t wait for this competition. The excitement will be even greater because, as Polish rallying, we are fielding our absolute strongest possible lineup for this start. It promises to deliver incredible emotions and a fight at the highest level,” added Miko Marczyk.
“A very special moment lies ahead of us – the Rally Poland starts as early as next week. This round is an incredibly important point on my calendar. It’s my home rally, which has the status of a European Championship round this year, and that is incredibly exciting and motivating. The competition promises to be thrilling. We already know that an outstanding lineup of drivers from Poland and abroad will be at the start. Facing the fastest competitors on our Silesian stages will be a massive challenge. Does knowing these asphalt roads give us an advantage? Polish crews have known these stages for years, but in the European Championship, it’s always the local drivers who have that extra edge – and this time, we are the ones at home. I can’t wait for the start,” explained Jakub Matulka.
“I am extremely happy that this rally is constantly growing in strength and hosting the European Championship once again. Silesia loves motorsport, and the local fans always create an amazing atmosphere. Personally, I look at these starts as a long-term project – you don’t win here with a single success, but with consistency and cold calculation over the course of the entire season. Although my heart is eager to fight openly with the European Championship frontrunners, I must focus on my direct competition in the Polish Championship. The battle in the national series is incredibly tight, and the margins are minimal. Knowing the Silesian asphalt roads will definitely help us, as together with Miko, Kuba, or Kajto, we know these roads very well and always have that slight advantage on our home ground. We want to bring the fans plenty of joy and simply enjoy this unique home weekend,” Jarosław Szeja said.
The conference was also attended by representatives of the Silesian Voivodeship authorities, the City of Katowice, Metropolis GZM, and Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium.
Leszek Pietraszek – Chairman of the Board of the Metropolis GZM: “We are fully aware of how high the bar has been set, and we will do everything to maintain this world-class level. On the other hand, it is an excellent promotional tool and a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty and potential of the Metropolis GZM to a wide audience.”
Bogumił Sobula – Vice-President of Katowice: “We are in for an unforgettable afternoon and evening filled with sporting emotions in the very heart of our city. I am convinced that the drivers will appreciate the technical and demanding route, and the fans will be thrilled to meet the rally elite. The iconic Spodek, a true temple of Polish sport, will provide an incredible backdrop for the competition. I hope this venue captivates the rally drivers as well. We warmly invite you to Katowice and to the spectacular routes across our entire region!”
Aldona Węgrzynowicz – member of the Silesian Voivodeship Council: “Silesia has a unique opportunity to showcase its most beautiful and hospitable side to the elite of European motorsport and the thousands of fans accompanying them. This is a tremendous promotional opportunity for our region, one we intend to leverage to the fullest. The true showpiece of this event will be the spectacular special stage in the very heart of Katowice, held right next to the iconic and globally recognized Spodek arena.”
Iwona Wyżgolik – Representative of Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium: “Hosting the Rally Poland at our venue is a true source of pride, especially at such a unique moment as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium. Our venue is a key point on the route of this competition. For seven decades, the legendary ‘Witches’ Cauldron’ has witnessed some of the greatest sports spectacles, and today we can confidently say that rally cars have found a true home here.”
Katarzyna Uszok-Adamczyk also took part in the conference. We will see her on the rally stages behind the wheel of a Trabant, competing in the HRSMP championship. Kasia was very emotional sharing her thoughts: “Simply being invited to the official press conference ahead of the 82nd Rally Poland is a huge honor for me, and sitting alongside four of Poland’s best current drivers is a dream come true. Given that I live exactly halfway between the two urban special stages – the one by the Katowice Spodek and the one at Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium – I can say with a smile and complete conviction that this rally feels incredibly personal and local to me.”
Grzegorz Wróbel – Chairperson of Organising Committee, President of the Automobilists Foundation: “Behind the success of such a massive undertaking stands a gigantic human machine – over a thousand people are involved in the organization alone. Yet, this great sports festival could not take place without the invaluable support of our partners. Special thanks go to the self-government of the Silesian Voivodeship led by Marshal Wojciech Saługa, the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis with Mr. Leszek Pietraszek – who set us a clear goal of returning to the European Championship – and the Mayor of Katowice, Mr. Marcin Krupa.
We have consistently pursued our goals, and we are extremely pleased that we have reached such a prestigious milestone together. Having ORLEN OIL on board as our strategic sponsor is also a massive boost. Without such strong partners and sponsors, delivering this project would be impossible. For any organizer, the ultimate reward is the entry list – and this year’s lineup of drivers is absolutely exceptional, guaranteeing competition at the highest European level. On this occasion, I would like to make a heartfelt appeal to all fans: let’s create this spectacle together, but with safety and responsibility in mind. Please remember to stay safe and strictly adhere to the rules along the route.”
82nd Rally Poland entry lists:
FIA European Rally Championship (ERC)
KIQ Polish Rally Championship (RSMP)
Millers Oils Historic Polish Rally Championship (HRSMP)
Partners and sponspors of the 82nd Rally Poland
Main Partner – Silesian Voivodeship, Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium
Co-host of the event – Miasto Katowice
Strategic Partner – Metropolis GZM
Strategic Sponsor – ORLEN OIL
Partner of the event – Ministry of Sport and Tourism
Technical Partner– Diverse Extreme
82nd Rally Poland is co-financed by the state budget from the part administered by the Minister of Sport and Tourism.