ERC
Countdown to 82nd Rally Poland is go!
The countdown to the 82nd Rally Poland has begun with more details of the upcoming FIA European Rally Championship counter revealed.
Doubling as a round of the KIQ Polish Rally Championship, the event is the first Rally Poland to take place on asphalt since 2004 following its move away from the gravel stages of the Masurian lake district to the north of the country from 2005.
Now based in Katowice to the south, the 82nd Rally Poland will feature 15 stages over a competitive distance of 187.6 kilometres when it takes place from 24 - 26 July.
A total of 28 spectator zones, all with free admission, are being prepared, primarily in locations with easy access. The legendary Przegibek special stage won’t be accessible to fans due to the route being isolated from the surrounding road network. However, two spectator zones will be available on the Bieruń stage, which is being used for Free Practice, Qualifying Stage and Shakedown on the morning of Friday 24 July.
Thousands will follow the Friday night action in Katowice
© ERC
Friday focus on Katowice
Following the ceremonial start on Dworcowa Street from 17:30 local time, drivers and co-drivers will be on hand at Sławik and Antall Square to sign autographs and pose for selfies from 18:00. The spectacular GZM Katowice powered by ORLEN OIL Super Special Stage, a fan favourite previously part of Rally Silesia and always delivering thrilling action for thousands of spectators, is due to get under way at 21:15.
Super-fast Silesian Saturday
The first full day of action on the asphalt roads of the Silesian region on Saturday 25 July consists of two passes over the Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Ochaby and Gmina Jasienica stages.
Four spectator zones will be located on Jastrzębie-Zdrój, five on Ochaby and four on Gmina Jasienica.
The Ochaby stage also features a short but famous section of hard gravel, affectionately known by fans as ‘The Swamp’ because of the marshy terrain surrounding it.
Saturday concludes with the eighth special stage on the grounds of Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium.
Silesian-based event will be a highlight
© ERC
Return Przegibek the Sunday highlight
The eagerly awaited return of the legendary Przegibek stage to the Rally Poland itinerary after a 27-year gap is a Sunday highlight with the 6.50-kilometre test due to begin at 08:22.
Przegibek has appeared on the Rally Poland itinerary nine times and lists Leo Celli (1967), Raffaele Pinto (1968), Jean-Luc Thérier (1973) and Krzysztof Hołowczyc (1999) among its pacesetters.
After the single visit to Przegibek, the first of two runs through the Kiczyce and Hażlach stages are followed by a Tyre Fitting Zone in Carbonarium Moszczenica, with the first run of the Silesian Voivodeship stage due at 13:05.
The Kiczyce, Hażlach and Silesian Voivodeship stages are then repeated ahead of the finishing ceremony at the Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium at 19:30.
There are three spectator zones in Kiczyce and two in Hażlach and Silesian Voivodeship. The second pass over the Silesian Voivodeship stage will form the Power Stage from 17:05.
