The world's top drivers and the fastest off-road cars - this is what awaits us in early September in Szczecin, Drawsko Pomorskie and Dobra. The rally routes of the Columa Medica Baja Poland will be the arena of struggle for FIA World Cup and European Cup titles. Emotions and stars of world motorsport will certainly not be lacking!
Three days of racing, five special stages, 500 kilometers of rally competition on the longest and most difficult rally routes in Poland - we know the first details of this year's edition of Columna Medica Baja Poland.
On the extremely demanding routes, as every year, we will see the fastest rally cars, trucks and SSV vehicles.
Baja Poland awaits the fans
Compared to the previous two years, the rally has undergone major changes. It's safe to say that after a period of restrictions, the event is not only returning with an offer for fans, but opening up even more to them.
The rally will follow the proven four-day formula. September 1 will be an administrative day set aside for competitors to complete all the formalities of participating in the sporting event. However, from Friday morning, September 2, a foretaste of the rivalry on special sections will await fans. A Test Stage will take place in the town of Wolczkowo in the Dobra Szczecińska municipality.
On the same day, the ceremonial start and Qualifying Section will be held at the most rally-oriented street in Szczecin - Szafera Street. This is where the Rally Town will be located - the biggest change and a big convenience for fans. The Netto Arena Szczecin, located next door, will house the rally headquarters.
On Saturday, September 3, the assistance park will be moved directly to the area of the iconic off-road rally - the Drawsko training ground. Right next to it will be located the zone for fans on the famous Bucierz Tactical Exercise Range, together with the start and finish of the longest and most difficult special stage in the rally.
Sunday's special stages in the Dobra Municipality will traditionally conclude the three-day rally competition. These very fan-friendly areas will be the site of the battle for the last precious seconds in the event and can often surprise with unpredictable conditions.
The rally's compact formula will allow fans to see far more interesting sites, competitors and their vehicles in action.
"The Columna Medica Baja Poland is getting closer, which will be valid for the FIA Baja World Cup, but European Baja Cup. The most important off-road competition in Poland attracts top drivers and crowds of fans. Thanks to the many years of experience of the organizers and the support of the city of Szczecin, Dobra, Drawsko Pomorskie and the Polish Armed Forces and State Forests, we will once again witness competition at the highest level. I am convinced that unforgettable emotions await us" - says Michał Sikora, President of the Polish Motorcycle Association.
World class and championship-level battle
Columna Medica Baja Poland has for years attracted competitors from different parts of the world, racing a variety in many different vehicles. The rally tracks in Szczecin, Dobra and Drawsko Pomorskie will be the arena for the FIA World Cup titles and the conclusive battle for the FIA European Cup.
"This is the 11th consecutive year that Baja Poland is a round of the FIA World Cup for Off-Road Rallying and the 2nd when it is included in the FIA European Cup. We are very proud to represent Poland in such prestigious international cycles. We would like to thank the FIA and the PZM for another year of fruitful cooperation and trust bestowed on us. " - emphasizes Slawomir Wasiak, President of the Baja Poland Foundation, organizer of the event.
The rally will also be a qualifier for the FIA Central European Area Championship in off-road rallies and championships and cups from Poland and the Czech Republic in motorsport. The event will also be a round of the Baja Poland Series - a series that is dedicated to participants without a license and thus opens the way for them to compete in both the Polish Cup and Championship, as well as many international European and world rallies.
All this means that fans will be guaranteed international comradeship, a variety of vehicles and a large dose of fast and spectacular driving on special stages.
Who can we expect on the routes in Szczecin, Dobra and Drawsko Pomorskie? The classification leaders promise to fight for more points, and the factory Toyota and Mini teams from the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Cup are gearing up.
Top SSV drivers are sure to show up. These lightweight and powerful designs often amaze with their speed and agility on rally tracks. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the number of drivers competing with them is steadily growing.
Every year a treat during the Baja Poland are the trucks, which, with their speed and agility to overcome difficult special stages, generate great excitement among fans.
Competitors competing in international classifications during Columna Medica Baja Poland will be announced on August 26. Three days later, entry lists for the rally's national classifications will be published.
Automatic translation from the original Polish version
Source Baja Poland
