Chapter I: Homecoming on Tarmac: Kajetanowicz’s Return to Silesian Roads
The 82nd edition of Rally Poland introduces a historic shift in the event’s modern identity. Moving away from the high-speed gravel tracks of Mikolajki in the Masurian Lake District, the 2026 itinerary brings the classic event back to the asphalt roads of the Silesian region. For three-time FIA ERC Champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz, this venue change carries profound personal and sporting significance.
Kajetanowicz made his regional rally debut on these very roads in 2003 at the International Silesian Rally, taking a class victory in a Peugeot 106 S16. Over two decades later, the driver from Ustroń returns as one of the most decorated rallying figures in Central Europe, boasting three consecutive European crowns (2015–2017), the 2023 WRC2 Challenger title, and three individual overall wins at Rally Poland. Competing in his home region for the first time in a major international event since 2013, Kajetanowicz brings unmatched local knowledge to a route that weaves directly through his hometown surroundings.
Chapter II: Technical Fine-Tuning: Preparing the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
In the build-up to the event, ORLEN Rally Team conducted dedicated test sessions near Ustroń on roads closely mimicking the characteristic asphalt of the upcoming special stages. Operating under the technical stewardship of Spanish preparation firm RaceSeven, the team focused extensively on optimizing the setup of their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
The testing program prioritized suspension geometry calibration, damper rates, and differential maps tailored to the high-grip, undulating, and often abrasive surface conditions found in the region. Additionally, the crew evaluated varying Michelin rubber compounds across differing surface temperatures to establish precise baseline setup parameters. Ensuring predictable turn-in response and high-speed stability over fast crests and narrow asphalt passes remains critical for extracting maximum performance from the Rally2 machinery.
Chapter III: Route Profile and Stage Breakdown across Silesia
The 82nd Rally Poland features a demanding itinerary comprising 15 special stages totaling 187.60 kilometers of competitive distance within a total route exceeding 918 kilometers. Based out of the central service park and rally headquarters located in Katowice, the action kicks off on Friday with official free practice, the FIA ERC qualifying stage at Bieruń, and the ceremonial start on Dworcowa Street in Katowice, followed by an opening evening super special stage in Katowice (GZM Katowice powered by ORLEN OIL).
Saturday presents a grueling leg featuring double passes over the Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Ochaby, and Gmina Jasienica stages, capped off by a spectator-friendly super special stage at the iconic Silesian Stadium (Stadion Śląski) in Chorzów. Sunday’s decisive final leg pushes crews across the technically intricate Przegibek pass, alongside twin runs through Kiczyce, Hażlach, and Województwo Śląskie (Marklowice Górne), where the second pass serves as the maximum-points Power Stage before the final podium finish back at the Silesian Stadium.
Chapter IV: FIA ERC Contenders and High-Stakes Competition
As the fourth round of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship, Rally Poland has attracted a world-class entry list of Rally2 machinery. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak face formidable competition from current ERC points leaders and international contenders, as well as top Polish national championship drivers.
Among the primary rivals is defending European Champion Miko Marczyk, setting up an anticipated head-to-head clash between two generations of Polish rallying royalty on domestic asphalt. With stage roads demanding precise pace notes, rapid line changes, and flawless rhythm through blind corners, the margin for error will be paper-thin. Effective reconnaissance and immaculate pace note execution during the two-pass recce will prove decisive in establishing early stage leads.
Chapter V: Official Statements and Team Readiness
Following the completion of pre-event testing, Kajetan Kajetanowicz expressed strong optimism regarding the team’s readiness and the special nature of competing in front of a home crowd.
According to an official press release issued by ORLEN Rally Team on July 22, 2026, Kajetan Kajetanowicz stated:
“The rally week I couldn’t wait for has officially begun. We tested close to my home, and there was a great atmosphere. We worked hard with the car. Naturally, I would always like to drive even more kilometers, as there is always a slight sense of wanting more. However, I hope that we will soon be racing hard, the feeling will be spot on, and the smile won’t leave our faces, because a great motorsport celebration lies ahead the 82nd Rally Poland. The entire ORLEN Rally Team is ready. Now we must focus entirely on reconnaissance. It will be crucial to write down every single detail of the route. Despite being on my home turf, I haven’t competed here in a long time.”
With technical preparations concluded and administrative checks underway, the ORLEN Rally Team crew enters the event fully prepared to battle for top honors on the tarmac stages of Silesia.
