New stages to challenge Poland-bound ERC crews

Based in Mikołajki in the Masuria lake district, its home since 2005, the high-speed gravel event counts as the third round of the 2023 season and the opening event of the FIA Junior ERC Championship.

It features 16 stages over a competitive distance of 182.06 kilometres and Krzysztof Maciejewski, the ORLEN 79 Rally Poland Clerk of the Course, is highly motivated to deliver an even better event than in 2022.

“The previous edition of our rally was well received by the FIA observer and WRC Promoter,” he said. “This sets the bar high and makes us even more motivated. We have prepared a modified route, with as many as 180 kilometres of competitive sections. There are well known special stages in the itinerary, as well as some new challenges. We expect a star-packed entry, as ERC regulars will be joined by top Polish crews.”

Friday 19 May
Bring on Baranowo: The 3.46km Baranowo test provides the first form guide of ORLEN 79 Rally Poland when it hosts Free Practice from 10h30 CET followed by the Qualifying Stage from 12h30. The results of the Qualifying Stage are used to help determine the starting order for leg one.

All eyes on the Arena: Following the ceremonial start in Mikołajki’s Main Square at 17h00, the event gets off to a spectacular beginning with the first of two runs through the purpose-built Mikołajki Arena stage (top) scheduled to get underway at 18h30 CET. Measuring 2.50km in length, the two-by-two test is never lacking in drama and excitement.

Saturday 20 May 
Swietajno to serve up an epic: At 18.58km, the day-opening Swietajno test is the rally’s longest and gets underway at 08h45. The second run is due to begin at 14h35.

New-look stages await: Markowskie (13.53km) and Wieliczki (17.35km) have been modified for 2023 and take place twice during the day, which concludes with a return to the Mikołajki Arena test from 18h30.

Sunday 21 May
Untried tests in store: Four stages run twice offers a competitive route of 78.22km for Sunday’s deciding leg. The action west of Mikołajki takes in two brand new stages: Barczewo (10.73km) and Biskupiec (12.3km) and gets underway at 08h05. The route back to Mikołajki for midday service includes stops at Gmina Mragowo (9.4km) and Mikołajki (6.68km), a completely altered version of the old Mikołajki Max stage.

Gmina Mragowo provides the Power: With the morning stages repeated in the afternoon, it’s the 9.64km test that forms the rally-deciding Power Stage from 17h05. The finish is scheduled in Mikołajki’s Main Square at 18h15. Ticket information is available by clicking HERE.