Sesks Survives, Marczyk Gains in Thrilling Rally
Drama unfolds in Poland as championship contenders clash.
The FIA European Rally Championship witnessed a stunning display of skill and fortune as a Latvian driver managed to hold onto his lead. The competition saw dramatic twists, including a dramatic crash that reshaped the podium positions. This gripping rally showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Sesks Edges Ahead
Martins Sesks, with Renars Francis as co-driver, began with a significant 21.4-second lead. He expanded this margin to 41.4 seconds after the initial loop on the fast gravel stages. The Latvian driver, back in the ERC, faced a near miss in stage nine when his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, equipped with MRF tires, went off-road. Despite this, Sesks set the second-fastest time.
The turning point arrived in stage ten when Roope Korhonen, the championship leader, crashed his MRF-branded Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Both Korhonen and his co-driver, Anssi Viinikka, escaped the incident unscathed. Sesks then adopted a more cautious approach, finishing the stage with the third-fastest time.
“Of course our team approach has changed now and I’m really sorry for Roope [Korhonen] in the last stage and it would have been really great to finish it together. We are now here with three stages to go, and I just need to keep it clean,”
—Martins Sesks
Miko Marczyk, a home favorite, moved into second place after Korhonen’s misfortune, followed by Jon Armstrong. The global rally market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a rise to $1.2 billion by 2028 (Market Watch Report).
Shifting Fortunes
Reiersen, despite some close calls, lost ground to Armstrong. Mads Østberg, after resolving a turbo issue, challenged the frontrunners. Andrea Mabellini saw his position drop from seventh to eighth. The top ten was completed by Jakub Matulka and Krzysztof Bubik, with Max McRae in eleventh.
In the ERC3 class, Tymek Abramowski kept his lead. The crews are slated to go through the same stages once more to wrap up the fourth round of the season.
