After the recce on breathtaking special stages on São Miguel Island, today the crews competing in FIA ERC began the serious competition on gravel, for the first time this year. The fight in 50th edition of Rallye Açores – round 4 of FIA European Rally Championship – started with Qualifying Stage Remédios. LOTOS Rally Team crew, currently second in FIA ERC overall standings, recorded third fastest time after impressive performance in wet conditions, on the 3.22-kms test. Consequently, Kajetanowicz and Baran set top three result on FIA ERC Qualifying Stage for the fifth time in a row.

Not only valuable points counting towards FIA ERC overall standings are at stake in one of the most incredible rallies in the world. Right here, on the volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Kajetan Kajetanowicz begins his defence of FIA ERC Gravel Master trophy – the Pole claimed this title last year, as the first driver in history. Rallye Açores is the first of four rallies counting towards FIA ERC Gravel Master classification.

Today the crews will tackle first three of 17 special stages in round 4 of FIA ERC. They will start with spectacular Grupo Marques test, won twice by Kajetanowicz and Baran last year. This stage starts at 19:00 CET and it will be streamed live at satarallyeacores.com/en/live. Opening day of competition will be completed with two more tests: Soluçoes M (7.23 kms, first crew starts at 19:17 CET) and Vila Franca São Brás (12.88 kms, starting time 20:05 CET). LOTOS Rally Team crew chose 14th running position for today.

Kajetan Kajetanowicz: – Our driving was good so we have reasons to be happy – especially as the conditions on this short stage were extremely tricky. Because of rain, there was a lot of mud and the grip level was very low. There was standing water in some places. It is very difficult to find and maintain correct driving line in such conditions. Now we are facing three days of thrilling but at the same time very demanding rally. Finding a good rhythm behind the steering wheel and maintaining it right to the finish is essential. It is not easy because changeable grip has great influence on driver’s feeling in the car. I like this rally although it is very tough to drive quickly here if you do not have great experience on these narrow roads, filled with different surprises. Tyre choice will be particularly tricky because you never know what could happen with the weather on São Miguel Island. It can rain in one place, while a few hundred metres down the road the sun is shining. For us it is a great honour to take part in this breathtaking rally so we will do our best to make the most of this opportunity.