RALLY POLAND: PIRELLI HEADS TO THE ERC ROUND AS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER
The FIA European Rally Championship heads to Poland from 24 to 26 July for the fourth round of the season. The 82nd Rally Poland marks a historic change: leaving behind the gravel roads of Masuria, the event moves to the fast roads of Silesia and returns to asphalt for the first time since 2004, apart from a short 1.5-kilometre gravel section. The route comprises 15 special stages covering 187.6 timed kilometres. Among the most demanding are Gmina Jasienica, the longest stage at 19 kilometres, and Jastrzębie-Zdrój and Hażlach, both more than 17 kilometres long. Ochaby features the short section of hard gravel known as “The Swamp”, while Sunday will see the legendary Przegibek return after a 27-year absence: just 6.5 kilometres long, but with more than 50 bends and hairpins that make it one of the rally’s most technical stages.
Pirelli heads to Poland leading the tyre suppliers’ standings following the one-two finish secured by Roberto Daprà and Teemu Suninen at Rally di Roma Capitale. The Milan-based company also equips the top three drivers in the provisional European Championship standings: Suninen leads with 48 points, ahead of Giandomenico Basso on 45 and Andrea Mabellini on 33.
The leading Pirelli-equipped drivers competing in Poland include Suninen and Marco Bulacia, both in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars, and Andrea Mabellini at the wheel of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF.
“Rally Poland has changed completely compared with its most recent editions,” said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “The move from Masuria to Silesia presents an entirely new challenge for everyone. Speed will remain a defining feature, but long stages such as Gmina Jasienica and Hażlach will alternate with highly technical sections and changes of surface such as the one at Ochaby. The medium RA7E is likely to be the benchmark choice thanks to its balance and consistent performance, while the soft RA7+D will provide an effective option in cooler conditions or when grip levels are lower.”
For the Polish event, Pirelli will supply its crews with P Zero asphalt tyres in the medium RA7E and soft RA7+D compounds, together with the Cinturato RWD wet-weather tyre in the event of rain.
Rally Poland is also the fourth round of the season for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, for which Pirelli is the sole tyre supplier and technical partner. The Milan-based company thus reaffirms its commitment to supporting competitions for young talent and entry-level categories in international rallying.