ERC
Marczyk and Gospodarczyk confirm ERC title defence
Miko Marczyk and Szymon Gospodarczyk have confirmed plans to defend their FIA European Rally Championship titles in 2026 in another exciting development ahead of the new season getting under way.
The ORLEN Team crew from Poland claimed ERC gold during a thrilling three-way decider in Croatia last October, where they secured their fifth podium finish in eight attempts.
“In 2026, we will compete in the European Rally Championship,” said Marczyk, 30. “Last year, we won the title on FIA ERC stages, finishing on the podium five times, both on gravel and asphalt rallies. It was a good season for us – we drove confidently, consistently, and without mistakes. This year, seven demanding rallies await us, five on asphalt and two on gravel. One of the new additions will be Rally Poland in a new location, in Silesia. I’m looking forward to this event and I’m happy that we will once again have the opportunity to meet Polish fans there.”
We want to be faster while maintaining reliability and a good strategy
Gospodarczyk and Marczyk were crowned 2025 ERC champions
© ERC
Co-driver Gospodarczyk, 40, said: “This year we will be defending our European championship title, and I know it will be a very difficult task. We are sticking with a proven car that has not let us down for years – the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. We will begin our campaign in just over two weeks with Rally Sierra Morena in Spain. Last year didn’t go very well for us there, but I believe that with our experience we will be able to improve our pace.”
Marczyk and Gospodarczyk have also revealed the livery that will flank their Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Paying tribute to their 2025 ERC title success, the design “not a complete revolution, but rather a solid evolution of a well-known design,” according to a communication.
“As a result, the project refines something that has already been well received by fans. This approach also contributes to building the team’s identity, as it deliberately references the 2025 season – their championship-winning campaign in the European Rally Championship.
“The new livery introduces a slightly different character to the Škoda. A key new feature is a blue satin surface that interacts with light and changes depending on the surroundings. The metallic-finish wrap creates a noticeable sense of depth in the colour while reducing the classic gloss effect. All of this further highlights the car’s body lines and, together with horizontal elements, gives the Fabia RS Rally2 a more dynamic appearance”.
Livery design is an evolution rather than a revolution
© Miko Marczyk
Marczyk and Gospodarczyk begin the defence of their ERC titles on 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site from 17 - 19 April.
