2022 SEASON

RALLY JAPAN

(date: 10-13.11; Toyota, Japan; surface: asphalt)

  • Ahead of Rally Japan, the final round of the 2022 World Rally Championship, Kajetan Kajetanowicz and his co-driver Maciej Szczepaniak had already secured a top-three finish in their category. They worked hard for this success, with excellent performance in the most difficult rallies in the world: winning an extremely tough Safari Rally in their first outing there, claiming runners-up spots in Croatia, Portugal and New Zealand, adding fifth position in Estonia. Sixth place and important points scored in Catalunya gave them another top-three finish in the championship and a chance to fight for the title in the showdown in the Land of the Rising Sun.
  • In order to claim the title, the ORLEN Rally Team crew had to take risks right from the word go, putting aside any calculations before tackling twisty and treacherous asphalt stages of Rally Japan, which made its comeback to the WRC calendar after 12 years’ break. Unfortunately, after sixteen kilometres of the first test on Friday, Isegami’s Tunnel 1, the Polish crew crashed out and were unable to continue. Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe won the rally in the overall standings, while the laurels in the WRC2 category went to Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka. Chief rivals of Kajetanowicz in his championship quest, Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen, finished the rally in third position, claiming the WRC2 title. Second place in the 2022 title race went to former champions, Andreas Mikkelsen and Torstein Eriksen.
  • This year’s success is a unique achievement for Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak. The WRC government body decided to merge two categories, WRC2 and WRC3, into WRC2 Open – the largest category in the whole field. The ORLEN Rally Team competed against almost 130 crews classified in the championship standings, including factory teams. It was the fifth season in the World Rally Championship for the Polish duo, with four consecutive top-three finishes: second position i 2019 (WRC2), third in 2020 (WRC3), second in 2021 (WRC3) and third in 2022 (WRC2).

RALLY CATALUNYA

(date: 20-23.10; Salou, Spain; surface: asphalt)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak finish Rally Catalunya de España in sixth position in the WRC2 category, scoring more valuable points in the championship standings. They remain in second position, closing the gap to the leaders to just five points. The most important episode in their battle for the title is still ahead but according to unofficial results the ORLEN Rally Team crew can already celebrate their fourth consecutive top-three finish in the World Rally Championship!
  • Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak maintain a really good pace this season. They reached the finish line in every rally, beginning with runners-up spot in Croatia and adding another second-place finish in Portugal. Afterwards they won an extremely tough Safari Rally in their first outing there. The Polish crew claimed fifth position in Estonia and brought plenty of points from the other side of the world, scoring another second place in New Zealand. The 2022 season comes to an end on 10-13 November in Japan – twelve years after previous visit of the WRC field in this country. However, the Polish duo can already celebrate their fourth consecutive top-three finish in the World Rally Championship standings.

RALLY NEW ZEALAND

(date: 29.09-02.10; Auckland, New Zealand; surface: gravel)

  • Kajetanowicz has achieved a tremendous success in his first start in Rally New Zealand! The ORLEN Rally Team driver, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, claimed second position in round eleven of the World Rally Championship, defeating many experienced local competitors. Crucially, the Polish crew scored plenty of points and moved into second place in the WRC2 classification. With two rallies to go, they are in a very good position to fight for the title!
  • Rally New Zealand was yet another debut outing for Kajetanowicz this season – after Safari Rally Kenya, which he won back in June. The Polish driver had been aware that this 17,600-kms trip to Auckland would require patience, solid performance and ability to take the best decisions. Meticulous preparations brought very good effects – Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak showed great pace on gravel roads. Only Hayden Paddon and John Kennard – very experienced reigning champions of New Zealand, with five seasons of competition in Hyundai factory team in WRC – were faster than the Polish duo. The final podium position went to Shane van Gisbergen and Glen Weston – the driver is a true racing legend on the other side of the world: double and defending champion of iconic Supercars series, chasing his third title this year.

RALLY ESTONIA

(date: 14-17.07; Tartu, Estonia; surface: gravel)

  • Rally Estonia, round seven of the 2022 World Rally Championship, has come to an end. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak competed in wet conditions, with stages turned into muddy ordeal. The Polish crew have finished their previous rallies in top three and opted for efficient approach in Estonia, limiting errors and risk to minimum. This strategy brought them a solid haul of points for fifth position in the WRC2 standings!
  • The 2022 World Rally Championship campaign of Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak is well underway. They started their season with second position in Croatia Rally, repeating this success next time out, in Portugal. Afterwards the LOTOS Rally Team duo made their first appearance in iconic, unique Safari Rally – achieving an incredible success, winning in their category.
  • Following their African trip, the Polish crew took part in Rally Estonia, known as the temple of speed. This event, famous for very fast stages, was included in the World Rally Championship calendar for the third time. This year an additional challenge appeared – it was raining during each leg, raising the difficulty level for all competitors. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak took a strategic approach, avoiding unnecessary mistakes which could cause a lot of harm over the course of championship fight. Their assured and consistent performance brought them solid points for fifth position in the WRC2 standings, allowing them to stay in the fight for the title.

RALLY SAFARI

(date: 22-26.06; Naivasha, Kenya; surface: gravel)

  • Remarkable day for the Polish fans: Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak after brilliant performance win Safari Rally in the WRC2 category, claiming also ninth position in the overall standings! Only crews in stronger Rally1 cars finished ahead of them. Thanks to victory in this iconic and demanding round, with maximum bonus points scored for setting the fastest time on the Power Stage, the LOTOS Rally Team crew take the lead in World Rally Championship WRC2 category*!
  • Twelve stage wins, over 19 minutes in hand at the finish line. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak dominated the WRC2 category in their first outing in Safari Rally. The Polish duo claimed their seventh consecutive top-three spot in the World Rally Championship and thanks to scoring maximum amount of points, they take the lead in the WRC2 standings.
  • Kajetanowicz fulfilled his dream, taking part in the most difficult rally in the world. Last year Sobiesław Zasada – then 91 years old Polish rally legend – participated in Safari Rally but unfortunately he had to retire within finish line in his sight. After this remarkable feat, Kajetanowicz promised him to try and finish this extremely demanding event for him. He did it in great style, topping his category with almost twenty minutes advantage over the nearest rivals.

RALLY PORTUGAL

(date: 18-22.05; Matosinhos, Portugal; surface: gravel)

  • Sixth consecutive podium finish in the World Rally Championship for Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak! The LOTOS Rally Team crew did an excellent job on Portuguese special stages, claiming runners-up spot in the WRC2 category. This success tastes even better, given the record-breaking field of 43 crews! On top of that the Polish duo scored more points on the Power Stage, setting second-fastest time on the final test of the rally!
  • Rally de Portugal – during which the organisers celebrated the 50th anniversary of the World Rally Championship – consisted of 21 special stages. This popular event forms an iconic part of the calendar, with 55th edition being run this year.
  • Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak arrived here after excellent performance in Croatia Rally, where they scored a brilliant second position. The Polish crew won in Portugal last year, in the first start of Kajto on these stages. However, this season the challenge was supposed to be even tougher, with bumper entry list of over 40 crews and many factory drivers who have competed here even ten times. The LOTOS Rally Team crew did their best to show what they are able to achieve – with excellent results. Kajetan and Maciek finished 13 special stages in top three and claimed second position in the WRC2 standings, scoring also two points for second-fastest time on the Power Stage Fafe.

RALLY CROATIA

(date: 21-24.04; Zagreb, Croatia; surface: asphalt)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak scored second position in the 2022 Croatia Rally (WRC2), claiming also an excellent eighth place in overall standings, finishing behind six powerful cars competing in top Rally1 category! It was a consistent and impressive performance of the ORLEN Rally Team crew, with decisive strike during the final leg of round three of the 2022 World Rally Championship – which allowed them to grab second position in their category! The Polish duo amazed thousands of fans with excellent sixth-fastest overall result on penultimate stage, run in extremely difficult wet conditions. They scored a solid haul of points in their first outing in 2022!
  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak grabbed runners-up spot in Croatia Rally, competing in the strongest-ever WRC2 field. The Polish crew impressed with their fighting spirit and masterclass pace both in dry and wet conditions. It was the first outing for the ORLEN Rally Team duo in this year’s championship but stage wins and plenty of points at the start of their campaign promise a positive season. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak successfully battled for the second position with great support of hundreds of Polish fans, who cheered their fifth WRC podium finish in a row.

2021 SEASON

RALLY MONZA

(date: 18-21.12; Monza, Italy; surface: asphalt)

  • The Polish crew have nailed it! After fantastic season and exciting showdown Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak claimed a top-three finish in the 2021 World Rally Championship! The LOTOS Rally Team crew have completed their career-best season in fantastic style, often defeating the best competitors in the world and proving that their place is right at the top. The fight for victory laurels went on right until the last special stage – despite excellent pace, Kajetanowicz is pleased with runner-up position in the world championship. The Poles have scored their third top-three finish in a row – and this is also a breakthrough achievement. Their home country – Poland – is celebrating today!
  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak have enjoyed a spectacular season. The Polish duo showed not only excellent pace but also great effectiveness. They notched up six podium finishes in seven outings – with runner-up spots in Estonia and Spain, third place in Rally Monza this weekend and victories in Portugal, Sardegna and Greece. After second position in 2019 (in the WRC-2 category) and third in 2020 (in the WRC-3 category), the LOTOS Rally Team crew claim another top-three finish. Kajetanowicz scores second place in the world championship and Szczepaniak wins the title – as there was a change of co-driver alongside their chief rival, Yohan Rossel. This success would not have been possible without strong support of strategic partner Grupa LOTOS and Delphi Technologies, Pirelli, SJS Driving Experience and Grupa Sikora.

RALLY RACC

(date: 14-17.10; Salou, Spain; surface: gravel)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak have claimed their fifth podium finish in their sixth outing in the 2021 World Rally Championship campaign. Thanks to second position in Rally de España (in the WRC-3 category)* and fastest time on the Power Stage – with maximum score of bonus points – the LOTOS Rally Team crew take the lead in the championship standings. The Polish duo, cheered on by massive crowd of fans, showed brilliant and consistent pace, finishing thirteen special stages in top three!
  • The 2021 Rally de España finished in dramatic way: it started to rain just before the final test, rewarded with additional championship points – so the conditions on the Power Stage changed massively. The competitors had to keep their emotions under control and avoid mistakes which could have resulted in retirement. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak used their experience and after great performance won the stage with eight seconds in hand. It was the biggest winning margin throughout the whole rally, so the competition was really tight.
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew scored 23 points this weekend, taking the lead in the WRC-3 standings. The fight for championship title ends on 18-21 November at the final round of the season – ACI Rally Monza.

RALLY ACROPOLIS

(date: 9-12.09; Lamia, Greece; surface: gravel)

  • Six stage wins and top-three times on eleven special stages – Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak demonstrated excellent pace in Acropolis Rally, wrapping up first place in the WRC-3 standings. This is their fourth podium finish in five outings in the 2021 championship: apart from Greece, they won in Croatia and Portugal, adding another runners-up spot in Estonia. Moreover, the LOTOS Rally Team crew scored additional five points for winning the Power Stage Tarzan!
  • Acropolis Rally returned to the World Rally Championship calendar after eight year’s break. In the meantime it formed a part of the European Rally Championship schedule and Kajetanowicz wrapped up two wins in this event. His first place, scored this year, means that he has four podium finishes in Greece under his belt. The Pole, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, has shown great speed right from the beginning – proving his pace with excellent stage times. On some tests he defeated factory crews and was classified just behind the WRC cars

RALLY ESTONIA

(date: 15-18.07; Tartu, Estonia; surface: gravel)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak claimed second position in Rally Estonia! The Polish crew, competing in the WRC-3 category, scored their third World Rally Championship podium this year. The LOTOS Rally Team duo after another solid performance added valuable points to their tally, closing the gap to the championship leaders.
  • Rally Estonia is known as the festival of speed for a good reason: average speed on most of the special stages exceeds 100 kph and sometimes reach even 120 kph. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak showed good and consistent pace, finishing 15 special stages in top three. They were classified in second position, scoring 18 points and setting the score in this event – after crashing out on the final stage last year.
  • Thanks to a solid haul of points scored in Estonia, the Polish crew closed the gap to the championship leaders, increasing their advantage over other rivals. Rossel remains in the lead, on 98 points, Kajetanowicz has 82 points and trails the leader by 16 points, with Ciamin in third on 57 points – all championship contenders scored in four rounds. Five best scores out of seven rallies count towards the final WRC-3 classification.

RALLY SARDEGNA

(date: 3-6.06; Olbia, Italy; surface: gravel)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak with second-fastest time on the Power Stage Aglientu-Santa Teresa – the final test of Rally Italia Sardegna, with bonus points on offer! The Polish crew scored more valuable points in the 2021 World Rally Championship standings. The LOTOS Rally Team crew again showed excellent pace in Sardegna and despite their retirement on Friday, they finished the rally in points-paying eighth position, setting impressive stage times along the way.
  • Right from the beginning of the rally everything went according to plan for Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak. They recorded top-three times on seven special stages, including two wins. Locked in fierce battle for another fastest time on the final test on Friday, unfortunately they slid off the road less than two kilometres before the finish line. The car was undamaged but they were not able to continue – there were no fans around to help the crew with pushing their Škoda back on the road.
  • They returned to action on Saturday. On seven stages they set six top-three times and won one test, recording an excellent seventh-fastest time in the overall classification. The LOTOS Rally Team crew set the pace among WRC-3 contenders throughout the day, proving their excellent form shown by the Poles right from the start of the 2021 season.
  • The final leg took place on Sunday. On the opening stage Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak moved up into ninth position. They showed impressive pace on the following SS18 Aglientu-Santa Teresa 1 (7.79 kms): topping the WRC-3 category, defeating all factory WRC-2 crews and setting an excellent sixth-fastest time overall. Only top WRC cars finished ahead: Neuville, Evans, Ogier, Rovanperä and Tänak! On the final stage, with bonus points on offer, they set second-fastest time in the WRC-3 standings

RALLY PORTUGAL

(date: 20-23.05; Matosinhos, Portugal; surface: gravel)

  • Second start this season and second victory for Kajetan Kajetanowicz in yet another career-first outing, this time in Rally de Portugal! The LOTOS Rally Team driver, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, won one of the most difficult and longest rounds of the World Rally Championship in style, setting top-three times on most of the stages and winning seven of them! It is their fourth WRC victory scored together and thanks to this solid points haul they moved up into second position in the standings.
  • Sunday consisted of five special stages, including the legendary Fafe test – run also as Power Stage, with bonus points on offer. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak started the day in second position, trailing Rossel and Coria by three seconds. On the opening stage they closed the gap to just over one second and took the lead after winning the next test, with considerable advantage. Afterwards they just extended the gap to the finish.

RALLY CROATIA

(date: 22-25.04; Zagreb, Croatia; surface: asphalt)

  • It is a perfect result in Croatia Rally for the Polish crew. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak comfortably win round three of the 2021 World Rally Championship, dominating their category! They have started this year’s campaign in style, with clear goal of fighting for the top step of the podium. This is the third victory and eighth podium finish for Kajetanowicz/Szczepaniak in their WRC career. The LOTOS Rally Team crew took eleventh position in the overall classification, with only factory crews finishing ahead.
  • Extensive preparations ahead of this season had lasted for many months. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak decided to start their 2021 campaign with Croatia Rally. This a completely new round in the WRC calendar and few competitors had known these roads before. Therefore it was important to combine raw speed with swift adaptation and learning with every kilometre passed. The Polish crew did a perfect job, winning four special stages and recording 17 top-three results. Their pace enabled them to defeat factory cars (WRC-2) on individual stages and over the course of the rally only factory crews of Citroen and Ford were faster.
  • After two victories in Turkey, Croatia Rally marks third WRC win for Kajetanowicz. This is also his eighth podium finish – with Corsica, Sardegna, Germany and Spain in his rally.

2020 SEASON

RALLY MONZA

(date: 3-6.12; Monza, Italy; surface: asphalt)

  • Unpredictable and unique World Rally Championship season has come to an end. It turned out to be very successful for Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak: the LOTOS Rally Team crew proved their abilities, scoring a top-three position in the championship for the second time in a row! Despite the mishap in Estonia, they finished the season in third place, with victory in Turkey and runners-up spot in Sardinia!
  • This season was full of calendar changes, so the competitors had to adapt quickly. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak were forced to change their schedule but they coped well with this additional challenge. They started their campaign with Rally México in March, finishing the opening rally in fourth position. When the season restarted, in Estonia, they tried to do their best and fought for victory. Unfortunately, they did not score any points after going off the road on the last stage. Less than one week later they moved to Turkey where after excellent performance they won the WRC-3 category, adding a great seventh position in the overall rally standings.
  • The championship ended with two events in Italy. First, the crews competed on gravel stages of Rally Italia Sardegna. The Polish duo put on a great performance again, finishing in second position. The final round, Rally Monza, brought more challenges with changeable and sometimes extreme conditions. Water, mud, snow and ice caused some lottery and dramatic grip variations on every special stage. The LOTOS Rally Team crew with good and consistent performance avoided costly mistakes and reached the finish line in fifth position in their category.
  • Over the course of the season the Polish duo showed good pace, setting top-three stage times and winning many tests. Despite driving a new car, they often defeated factory WRC-2 crews and scored some good results in the overall standings. Their second championship podium in a row is a huge success – made possible by hard work of the whole LOTOS Rally Team. It is worth noting that Maciej Szczepaniak has claimed second position in separate classification for co-drivers – finishing ahead of Marcelo Der Ohanessian who did not contest one of the rounds alongside Marco Bulacia Wilkinson.

RALLY ITALIA SARDEGNA

(date: 8-11.10; Alghero, Sardegna; surface: gravel)

  • Another excellent performance of Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak in the World Rally Championship. The LOTOS Rally Team grabbed a great second position in Rally Italia Sardegna, scoring their second podium finish this year. The Poles yet again defeated all factory WRC-2 crews in straight fight, claiming an excellent ninth position in the overall standings!
  • Rally Italia Sardegna – round six of the 2020 World Rally Championship – took place a few months later than usual and it made a huge difference regarding the road conditions. The best rally crews of the world competed on sixteen special stages with total length of almost 240 kilometres.
  • Kajetanowicz set a terrific pace right from the beginning. Over the course of the second leg he moved up into runner-up position and started the final stages on Sunday in fighting mood. The Polish driver, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, gradually closed his gap to the leaders. He defeated them on the opening two tests, reducing his deficit to five seconds. However, on the final loop a puncture resulted in time loss which was impossible to recover.

RALLY TURKEY

(date: 18-20.09; Marmaris, Turkey; surface: gravel)

  • Fantastic victory for the LOTOS Rally Team crew: Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak win Rally Turkey for the second time in a row! The Poles shone with amazing pace on very difficult special stages of round five of the World Rally Championship. They defeated all competitors in Rally2 cars, including the whole WRC-2 field of factory crews. On top of that they achieved their career-best result, with sensational seventh position in the overall standings – only with significantly faster WRC cars ahead.
  • Rally Turkey is regarded as the most difficult event of the whole World Rally Championship calendar with good reason. Extremely demanding and long special stages were held in hot conditions. The crews fought not only with time but also struggled for survival in thick clouds of dust on rocky roads. Virtually every corner could cause a surprise, with ruts and big stones which could have stopped the car, damaging tyres or suspension. In these conditions you have to rely, above all, on experience and perfect strategy. Hard work of the whole LOTOS Rally Team crew brought desired results. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak won six special stages and set top-three times on 11 out of 12 tests. On top of that they consistently outpaced all factory crews, beating them in the overall standings.

RALLY ESTONIA

(date: 4-6.09; Tartu, Estonia; surface: gravel)

  • Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak showed an excellent pace in Estonia, fighting for second place virtually until the end, pleasing the crowd with their performance. The LOTOS Rally Team crew negotiated the gravel roads in style, setting top-three times on ten special stages. During the final loop they won one test and moved from third to second position in the WRC-3 standings. Unfortunately on the last stage their Škoda Fabia R5 evo went off the road and the Polish duo had to retire from the rally. The LOTOS Rally Team crew leave Estonia empty-handed but fully motivated and ready for another challenge – Rally of Turkey which takes place in just two weeks’ time.
  • Rally Estonia marked the 2020 World Rally Championship season restart – the country hosted a WRC round for the first time in history. The crews competed on seventeen special stages, starting on Friday. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak returned to competition after six months’ break, with a very good performance on gravel roads. Right from the beginning they recorded fast stage times and headed into the final day on third position, eleven seconds behind the second-placed crew.
  • On Sunday the competition started with SS12 Arula 1 (6.97 kms), at 6:35 CET. The LOTOS Rally Team set another great stage time, trailing the rally leaders – Oliver Solberg and Aaron Johnston – by just 0.8 seconds. They recorded fourth- and third-fastest results in the WRC-3 category on the next two stages and began the second loop with another stage win and third-fastest time on the following test. Unfortunately, on the Power Stage their rally ended prematurely.
  • It is worth noting that on many stages the Polish crew set faster times than factory cars, competing in the WRC-2 category. They also recorded excellent results in the overall standings, including eighth position on SS15 – right behind the WRC cars.

RALLY MEXICO

(date: 12-15.03; León, Mexico; surface: gravel)

  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew started their 2020 World Rally Championship campaign. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak spent the last couple of days on gravel roads of Rally México – round three of the WRC season, their first of the season. The Polish duo did not give up despite technical problems and fought their way to fourth position, scoring a decent haul of points in North America.
  • This was the first Rally México outing for Kajetanowicz. The Polish driver changed the car and this was also his first event aboard a new Škoda Fabia R5 evo. Although he had to battle with electronics issues right from the beginning, Kajetanowicz was able to gain plenty of experience, showing very good pace on the stages. He finished nine special stages in top three, winning two of them.
  • The 2020 Rally México was due to finish on Sunday but it was shortened in the face of global problems regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The decision to finish the competition after Saturday’s leg was taken unanimously by the organisers and manufacturers.

 

RALLY BARBÓRKA
  • Date: 6-7.12;
  • Location: Warsaw, Poland;
  • Surface: aphalt;
  • 1st place overall, 1st place in "Kryterium Asów" superspecial stage
RALLYRACC
- 13TH ROUND
  • Date: 24-27.10;
  • Location: Salou, Spain;
  • Surface: gravel / asphalt;
  • Five podiums and one win in seven rounds of the World Rally Championship 2019. More than 1,840 kilometres of fighting in 89 special stages, of which 20 won and as many as 52 finished on the podium. 28 days of racing in the rally, nearly 40 with test days. A total of almost 21 hours of continuous, extremely fast time racing, the result of which was decided on many times by fractions of seconds. The phenomenal, first full season of joint starts of Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak in the WRC 2 category has come to an end. The representatives of LOTOS Rally Team summed it up with a great third place in the RallyRACC Catalunya!
  • Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak’s season began with the asphalt Tour de Corse, held at the end of March. They made a great debut in Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, taking the third place on the podium. The next stop on the map was South America and Rally Argentina, which unfortunately did not run as our duo had intended. Poles led the way, but after the breakdown of the suspension they were forced to withdraw from the competition. In mid-June the cavalcade of World Rally Championship moved to the Italian island of Sardinia. Kajto and Maciek, using the regulatory possibilities, moved to Škoda Fabia R5 and made another phenomenal debut, ending the competition on the second position.
  • After a short break in the calendar, our duo returned to the struggle on the asphalt routes of the Rallye Deutschland. Here, too, they did very well, bringing home the cups for the third place. The LOTOS Rally Team did not slow down and already two weeks later they competed on extremely demanding and difficult sections of the Rally Turkey. The result? The first joint victory of Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak in WRC 2!
  • At the beginning of October, the Poles competed also in Wales Rally GB. For the Ustroń citizens it was the first start in this event. Although a car failure prevented them from achieving a good result, they gained a lot of valuable experience. The season ended in sunny Catalonia, where they stood on the podium again – fifth time this year. Thanks to their points for third place, Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak were promoted to second place in the season’s classification. It was the last of seven rallies in which the Poles could collect points. The exact distribution of positions on the podium will be decided by the November Rally Australia (14-17.11.2019).
WALES RALLY GB
- 12TH ROUND
  • Date: 3-6.10;
  • Location: Llandudno, Wales;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew finished round twelve of the 2019 World Rally Championship: Wales Rally GB. On his debut in the British event, Kajetan Kajetanowicz approached extremely demanding and muddy special stages with respect. The Polish driver, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, reached the finish line despite some bad luck encountered on previous legs and – according to unofficial results – maintained a top-three position in the WRC-2 championship classification!
  • The Polish duo started this event in great style, setting second-fastest time on the night stage Oulton Park – opening test of almost 310-kms route. The LOTOS Rally Team crew lost less than three seconds to the 2003 World Rally Champion, Petter Solberg. Unfortunately, the following two days were less successful. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak had to continue under Rally2 rule. They recorded top-five results on three special stages, gathering valuable experience.
RALLY TURKEY
- 11TH ROUND
  • Date: 12-15.09;
  • Location: Marmaris, Turkey;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • Fifth start in this year’s World Rally Championship and fourth podium finish, third in a row! Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak won the best result in their joint WRC races so far, winning the Rally Turkey. The LOTOS Rally Team did not give any chances to their rivals, finishing 14 out of 17 episodes on the podium and winning as many as 7 of them. The Poles were leading from the beginning of the competition to the end. Although it was only their second start in these championships, just like in the Fabia R5 Skoda, they scored the most points and became leaders in this year’s classification.
  • This year’s Rally Turkey, as predicted, turned out to be extremely difficult and requiring great concentration. The tires were wearing out heavily on the aggressive gravel and the boulders sticking out of the wheel-ruts were just waiting to damage the car. However, Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak were driving very confidently in their second start with Skoda Fabia R5, avoiding bigger mistakes. Despite the difficulties they encountered, they reached the finish line with a lead of more than a minute, achieving their life result.
  • Thanks to the victory, the Poles increased their achievements by 25 points and became the leaders of the WRC 2 seasonal classification. Three rounds remained until the end of the season of the Rally Championship: The Wales Rally GB (3rd-6th October 2019), RallyRACC (24-27th October 2019) and Kennards Hire Rally Australia (14-17th November 2019).
ADAC RALLY DEUTSCHLAND
- 10TH ROUND
  • Date: 22-25.08;
  • Location: Bostalsee, Germany;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • Nearly 345 kilometres of fighting, nineteen special stages, international competition with local specialists and a rally called “three in one”. This year’s edition of Rallye Deutschland brought many twists and turns of action and drama, which, fortunately, the Polish team managed to avoid. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak finished in an excellent third place in the WRC2 category, succumbing only to the two-time champion of Germany, Fabian Kreim, piloted by Tobias Braun, and the next representatives of this country, Marian Griebel and Pimin Winklhofer. The most important thing, however, is that the LOTOS Rally Team is leaving Germany with a large number of points for the seasonal classification of the World Rally Championship!
  • Three in one – narrow and often dirty side roads of western Germany, fast and winding fragments in vineyards and famous and unforgivable sections in the Baumholder military training ground. Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak step by step built their pace in Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, to which they returned after a break. The Poles drove confidently and evenly, avoiding the bigger mistakes that happened to competitors. During the final stage, the LOTOS Rally Team attacked, winning the eighteenth attempt. Eventually, our representatives ranked third just behind the German crews, who do not compete in the full WRC season.
RALLY ITALIA SARDEGNA
- 8TH ROUND
  • Date: 13-16.06;
  • Location: Alghero, Sardegna;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • Rally Italia Sardegna came to an end. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak scored the best result in the history of their partnership in the World Rally Championship. The LOTOS Rally Team crew claimed second place in the WRC-2 standings after four days of challenging competition and covering nineteen special stages!
  • The Polish crew enjoyed a great comeback to the World Rally Championship stages during round eight of the 2019 season. It was a very demanding rally in which Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak completed nineteen gravel special stages aboard their Skoda Fabia R5, covering over 310 competitive kilometres. Ultimately they scored second position in the WRC-2 standings of Rally Italia Sardegna. The Polish driver competed for the second time in the Italian island and it was his eighth rally at the World Championship level. Kajetan and Maciek were greeted at the finish line of the final stage by large crowd of supporters. Afterward the LOTOS Rally Team crew drove to Alghero where after short service break they took part in podium ceremony.
RALLY ARGENTINA
- 5TH ROUND
  • Date: 25-28.04;
  • Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • The competition began on Thursday night with a street special stage in Villa Carlos Paz. Despite adverse weather conditions, huge crowd of spectators watched the fierce fight right from the beginning. Kajetanowicz trailed the leaders by just few seconds and started Friday stages with great motivation. He won the opening one, taking the lead in the WRC-2 standings. Stage number three was cancelled due to difficult road conditions.
  • Kajto started stage four as the leader but unfortunately this test turned out to be extremely unlucky. The rear suspension failed on a straight section and subsequent car damages meant that it was not possible to continue. The car had to return to the service zone, where the team – after checking its condition – decided to retire from the rally.
TOUR DE CORSE
- 4TH ROUND (1ST FOR KAJTO)
  • Date: 28-31.03;
  • Location: Bastia, Corse;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • 3rd in WRC2, 13th overall;
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew scores a podium position in round four of the 2019 World Rally Championship, known as “the rally of ten thousand corners”. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak started their 2019 campaign in fine style, not only gaining valuable experience in a new car but also scoring solid points for third place in WRC-2!
  • This is the first World Rally Championship podium finish for Kajetanowicz, in his only sixth event at this level and first in the new car. The Polish driver, co-driven by Maciej Szczepaniak, diligently pursued his goal to know his rally car better, which resulted in improved pace on the stages. The LOTOS Rally Team crew leaves Corsica with 15 points in the standings and trophies for third place in WRC-2, after fierce competition on over 345 kilometres.
RALLYRACC
- 12TH ROUND
  • Date: 25-28.10;
  • Location: Salou, Spain;
  • Surface: asphalt and gravel;
  • 4th place in WRC-2 category, 15th place in overall;
  • The fastest private team in WRC2
  • They moved into 10th position in overall standings.
RALLY TURKEY
- 10TH ROUND
  • Date: 13-16.09;
  • Location: Marmaris, Turcja;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • 4th place in WRC-2 category, 11th place in overall;
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew won all stages of the final leg in the WRC-2 category (9 out of 17)
  • Leaders after first day;
  • They moved into 12th position in overall standings.
ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND
- 9TH ROUND
  • Date: 16-19.08;
  • Location: Bostalsee, Germany;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • 5th place in WRC-2 category, 13th place in overall;
  • Very good pace in debut. Kajetan and Maciek were 2nd fastest after 12 special stages.
RALLY ITALIA SARDEGNA
- 8TH ROUND
  • Date: 7-10.06;
  • Location: Alghero, Sardegna;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • 7th place in WRC-2 category, 2nd place on final Leg;
  • Debut with a new co-driver, Maciej Szczepaniak.
RALLY DI ROMA CAPITALE
- ROUND 7
  • Date: 14-17.09;
  • Location: Fiuggi, Italy;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • 2nd place in overall classification;
  • Only 0.3s behind the winners after big fight for a victory;
  • They strengthen their lead in the 2017 FIA European Rally Championship.
BARUM CZECH RALLY ZLÍN
- ROUND 6
  • Date: 25-27.08;
  • Location: Zlín, Czech Republic;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • 5th place in overall classification;
  • Kajto and Jarek were the fastest polish crew;
  • They strengthen their lead in the 2017 FIA European Rally Championship.
RALLY RZESZÓW
- ROUND 5
  • Date: 03-05.08;
  • Location: Rzeszów, Poland;
  • Surface: asphalt;
  • Second place in overall classification;
  • Kajto and Jarek were the fastest polish crew;
  • Solid points haul enabled them to take the lead of the 2017 FIA ERC standings.
CYPRUS RALLY
- ROUND 4
  • Date: 16-18.06;
  • Location: Nicosia, Cyprus;
  • Surface: gravel, asphalt;
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew won second Leg;
  • Closed the gap to the championship leaders.
ACROPOLIS RALLY
- ROUND 3
  • Date: 02-04.06;
  • Location: Lamia, Greece;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • Kajto and Jarek won overall classification; 
  • 7 out of 12 special stages won;
  • They moved to second position in the overall 2017 FIA European Rally Championship classification.
RALLY ISLAS CANARIAS
- ROUND 2
  • Date: 04-06.05;
  • Location: Gran Canaria;
  • Surface: tarmac;
  • 2nd place overall;
  • 6 out of 12 special stages finished in TOP 3, 2 wins;
  • The LOTOS Rally Team crew moved to third position in the overall 2017 FIA European Rally Championship classification.
AZORES RALLYE
- ROUND 1
  • Date: 30.03-01.04;
  • Location: Portugal, São Migue;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • LOTOS Rally Team crew fought in difficult conditions and scored second place in the leg;
  • Kajto wins another three special stages in the FIA European Rally Championship, 7 finishes in TOP 3.
LY LIEPAJA
- ROUND 9
  • Date: 16-18.09;
  • Location: Liepaja, Latvia;
  • Surface: gravel;
  • 2nd place in 2nd leg of the rally;
  • 4th place in overall standings;
  • 21 points scored;
  • Kajetan and Jarek sealed European Rally Champions title.
BARUM RALLY
- ROUND 8
  • Date: 26-28.08;
  • Location: Zlin, Czech Republic;
  • Surface: tarmac
  • 2nd place in 2nd leg of the rally;
  • 6 points scored;
  • LOTOS Rally Team sealed FIA ERC Championship title in team’s category.
RALLY RZESZOW
- ROUND 7
  • Date: 4-6.08
  • Location: Rzeszow, Poland
  • Surface: tarmac
  • Kajetanowicz and Baran won Rally Rzeszów
  • Recorded top three times on all 13 special stages and won no less than eight of them;
  • Maximum efficiency of Kajetan and Jarek in Rzeszów – the Polish duo scored 39 points out of 39 possible;
  • Kajetanowicz and Baran won both legs of the Polish round of the European Championship.
RALLY ESTONIA
- ROUND 6
  • Date: 15-17.07
  • Location: Tartu, Estonia
  • Surface: gravel
  • Kajetanowicz and Baran claim second place in overall classification of Rally Estonia for the second time in a row;
  • 37-points advantage – LOTOS Rally Team crew score 29 points in Estonia and considerably strengthen their lead in the FIA ERC standings;
  • Consistent and efficient pace – Kajto and Jarek finished in top three no less than 13 out of 16 special stages of sixth round of the 2016 FIA ERC;
  • Second place of Polish duo in Sunday leg of Estonian ERC counter;
AZORES RALLYE
- ROUND 4
  • Date: 3-5.06
  • Location: Portugal, São Migue
  • Surface: gravel
  • Claim third place in the Azores – their second podium in a row in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean;
  • Kajto and Jarek score 21 points on São Miguel Island and lead the European Championship standings with 15-points advantage;
  • Exotic rally in the Azores is the 12th consecutive FIA ERC round in which reigning European Rally Champions score points;
RALLY ACROPOLIS
- ROUND 3
  • Date: 6-8.05
  • Location: Lamia, Greece
  • Surface: gravel
  • Leg 2 victory
  • 11 out of 12 special stages finished in top 2 – as many as 8 out of them won
CIRCUIT OF IRELAND
- ROUND 2
  • Date: 7-9.04
  • Location: Belfast, Ireland
  • Surface: tarmac
  • LOTOS Rally Team tops the classification of Day 2 in the Circuit of Ireland
  • Kajto and Jarek take the lead in the 2016 FIA ERC standings
  • Kajto and Jarek finished 9 of 14 stages in top three, winning three of them
  • Second top-three finish in a row for Kajetanowicz and Baran in the Circuit of Ireland
RALLY ISLAS CANARIAS
- ROUND 1
  • Date: 10-12.03
  • Location: Gran Canaria
  • Surface: tarmac
  • 2nd place overall
  • 6 out of 12 special stages won
TOP