Marczyk starts the Mikołajki-based fixture as the local favourite, having finished third on the event and in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) last season.
The Pole has since graduated to the WRC2 premier support category in the FIA World Rally Championship where he has already shown impressive speed, but couldn’t turn away the chance to run on home roads.
Speaking to FIAERC.com before the rally, Marczyk revealed a balanced approach to the championship’s fourth round and admitted that the competition will be tough.
“This is my home event in the ERC, and for sure, my goals are probably a little different than the guys who are fighting for the title for a whole season,” he said.
“But also, I'm quite a responsible driver and I will adjust to the possibilities of the day and whether it's possible for us to push and be quite on the pace.
“I will fight for the top positions, but if it's not possible then I will try to manage it and stay in the rally so that we can fight for the best position.
“I think the top guys we see here are the specialists in this series and they are also fast, just like there are very good drivers in WRC2. Here, it will be all about speed and it’s flat-out all the time,” he added.
The action begins this morning with Free Practice from 1030hrs (local), followed by the Qualifying Stage at 1230hrs to decipher the running order. The opening stage takes place later this evening with a super special blast at Mikołajki Arena.
Marczyk believes a lower road position could aid his success on the superfast gravel roads.
“Usually it’s better to be back as far as possible,” he explained. “This year, the weather is a little bit mixed and maybe it won’t be such an easy choice. In my opinion, the first positions will be the toughest and then around 15th [on the road] would be very cool.
“We had a really good recce and the stages from Saturday were in really nice condition, but on the new Power Stage there was a big rain shower and already we damaged the road a little bit on the recce. I hope the organisers can do something, but it should be a great weekend.”
- Full coverage from Rally Poland is available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.
Finland
Italy
Hungary