Remembering when an ERC legend went on Safari

The first driver to win the ERC title three times, Sobiesław Zasada came out of retirement – after a 24-year break – to contest the gruelling gravel event in a Ford Fiesta Rally3.

But at the age of 91, the Polish legend became the oldest driver in history to compete on a round of the WRC.

Remarkably, Zasada, whose grandson Daniel Chwist (pictured below) was also competing, set several top three times in his class and was in third position heading into the final stage of the event. However, he just fell short of his target to reach the finish when he was forced to retire on the closing test due to a mechanical issue.

Zasada won the ERC in 1966, 1967 and 1971 and finished runner-up on three more occasions.

Meanwhile, the race for the 2023 ERC title continues with the inaugural BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia from 6 - 8 July. Based in Karlstad, Sweden, the events forms round five of the season.