The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) makes its highly anticipated return to Poland this weekend, marking the midpoint of the 2024 season. This historic rally, one of the oldest in the world, is set to challenge drivers with its fast and flowing gravel stages as they compete in the picturesque Masurian lake district. Following Poland, the championship will head to Latvia for the first time in July, before the classic Rally Finland, the home event for Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT), in early August.
Rally Poland, first held in 1921 and part of the inaugural WRC calendar in 1973, has seen sporadic appearances on the world stage, most recently from 2014 to 2017. The rally, based in Mikołajki, is renowned for its high speeds on soft and sandy surfaces, offering a stark contrast to the firmer roads of Finland.
Two-time Rally Poland winner Sébastien Ogier will be a key contender, continuing his strong form with TGR-WRT following victories in Croatia and Portugal, and a close second in Sardinia. Ogier’s teammates include Elfyn Evans, currently joint second in the drivers’ standings and 18 points from the lead, and Takamoto Katsuta, who will be making his debut in Poland.
Adding to the excitement, four GR Yaris Rally2 cars are entered in WRC2, featuring Sami Pajari (Printsport), Roope Korhonen (Rautio Motorsport), Georg Linnamäe (RedGrey), and Gregor Jeets (RedGrey). This lineup follows back-to-back victories in Portugal and Sardinia, setting high expectations for the team.
The rally kicks off on Thursday evening with a super special stage near the service park in Mikołajki, which will be repeated on Friday and Saturday. These days will also include two loops of three stages to the east. Sunday’s finale brings the action closer to the service park with two repeated stages, promising an intense conclusion to this historic event.
