PZM 73rd Rally Poland Kicks Off

The WRC is in Poland and after only one stage there are three Volkswagens in the top five. Today’s special stage at the Mikolajki Arena is the first stage, but the rally doesn’t begin in earnest until Friday.

Today’s super special stage was less than two minutes long, and less than a second separates the top five drivers. Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry Neuville tops the charts today, followed closely by Volkswagen’s Andreas Mikkelsen. Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala are in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Expect Ogier to climb the rankings, though. Not only did he win the rally last year, he has won every year since 2013. And with rain expected on Friday, Ogier’s chances are even better.

“If it’s a bit wet then I hope I can make some good times,” said Ogier earlier today. “The best would be some good rain during the night so it’s a damp surface and then not too bad weather during the day so specators can enjoy the show without being too wet.”

If it is dry, though, speed is on the menu. With an average speed of 121.41 kph (75.4 mph) last year, Poland was the second fastest rally on the calendar.

“There are many sections where you are full throttle for a long time,” said Ogier after the pre-rally shakedown. “It’s another kind of driving compared to the previous round in Italy, and you need even more commitment here.”

Whatever, the case, keep your eyes peeled at wrc.com for the latest news from the PZM 73rd Rally Poland.

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