It was LOTOS Rally Team duo who set the fastest time in Ponta Delgada City Show – a spectacular Rallye Acores aperitif.  The event’s 50th anniversary celebrations got off to an amazing start, under the Azores night sky, among thousands of spectators. There were many TV viewers to, thanks to live-streaming coverage available worldwide.

While many drivers struggled with grip on gravel tyres, Kajetanowicz did a clean and precise run, scoring unbeatable 1:33,5 sec. on a short street loop. Next on the timetable, Hungarian driver David Botka was almost 5 seconds slower than Polish ace, while Kajto’s main FIA ERC rival – Craig Breen eventually took 5th position. Irish driver was over 7 seconds behind Kajetanowicz and Baran. The City Show stage did not count towards the final results.

Qualifying for ERC registered drivers takes place tomorrow morning at 10:00 (local time). This is followed by the fastest 15 drivers picking their starting positions, the pre-event press conference and an autograph signing session, before crews get back into their cars at 17:00 for the opening three stages – SS1: Grupo Marques 1 (3.45kms), SS2: Soluçöes M (7.23kms) and SS3: Vila Franca São Brás 1 (12.88kms).

2. Botka/Mihalik (Hungary) - 1:38,0 s.

3. Orsak/Smeidler (Czech Rep.) - 1:39,6 s.

4. Barros/Henriques (Portugal) - 1:40,4 s. 

5. Breen/Martin (Ireland/UK) – 1:40,9 s.

6. Pita/Cavaleiro (Portugal) - 1:41,6 s.

6. Gago/Carvalho (Portugal) - 1:41,6 s.

8. Ranga/Czako (Hungary) - 1:42,4 s.

8. Martins/Amaral (Portugal) - 1:42,4 s.

9. Rego/Silva (Portugal) - 1:42,6 s.

10. Consani/Vilmot (France) – 1:42,9 s.