Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak have enjoyed a good start of the 2024 Acropolis Rally. The Polish crew have set top times in the WRC2 Challenger standings, trailing a podium spot by just one second after three special stages. The rally of gods, famous for the toughest conditions, right from the beginning presents a great challenge for the competitors.
The opening test of Acropolis Rally (SS1 Ano Pavliani 1, 22.47 kms) was red-flagged after local crew of Athanassoulas/Zakheos crashed out. Good news was that both crew members were OK but their car blocked the stage. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak, ahead of the Greek duo on the road, set fourth-fastest time in the WRC2 Challenger classification. On the following test, Dafni 1 (21.67 kms), they recorded fifth result, finishing the loop with their best effort so far – third quickest time in their category on SS3 Tarzan 1 (23.37 kms). The ORLEN Rally Team crew hold fourth position ahead of the second loop, just one second behind top three.
– We have completed the opening loop of Acropolis Rally without major issues, apart from a spin on the last stage. I tried to save it but with full throttle and maximum steering lock it was not possible to do more. I made a mistake even before the stage, putting better tyres on front axle and that’s how it ended. Generally I am trying to drive as a gentleman in some places but of course I am pushing as well Stage times are good, so I enjoy my driving as well. I think that the tyre choice was not perfect although I am not 100% sure about that. Some drivers took soft tyres, put them across the car and did a good job only on one stage. It’s good, we go on
– says Kajetan Kajetanowicz, the WRC2 Challenger champion.
The second loop consists of the same set of three stages. Second pass of Ano Pavliani starts at 13:29 CET, followed by Dafni 2 (14:40 CET) and Tarzan 2 (16:48 CET).
Starts of Kajetan Kajetanowicz are supported by the title partner of the ORLEN Rally Team – ORLEN S.A., as well as technical partner Delphi, Pirelli, ORLEN OIL, ATC CARGO S.A. and SJS S.A.
Acropolis Rally, unofficial results after SS3 (WRC2 Challenger):
- Pajari/Mälkönen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) 52:02.5
- Joona/Mannisenmäki (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +26.2
- Virves/Lesk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +27.5
- Kajetanowicz/Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +28.5
- Griazin/Aleksandrov (Citroën C3 Rally2) +30.9
- Zaldivar/Der Ohannesian (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +33.3
- McErlean/Fulton (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +48.0
- Daprà/Guglielmetti (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +1:35.1
- Panagiotis/Bakloris (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +2:22.7
- Kremer/Kremer (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +2:49.3
