Rally Poland – Martins Sesks wins the qualifying stage ahead of Stéphane Lefebvre

Qualifying, which was particularly important in Poland, allowed almost all the favorites to position themselves for the race. Back in the ERC, Martins Sesks was the fastest driver in his Skoda Fabia RS. The Latvian finished ahead of Stéphane Lefebvre and Isak Reiersen. The key players are already there, with the exception of Mikolaj Marczyk, who finished only 8th.

Published 13/06/2025 à 14:53

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Rally Poland – Martins Sesks wins the qualifying stage ahead of Stéphane Lefebvre

Martins Sesks, who won the ERC in Poland last time out in 2023, hopes to double his tally on his return to this level (Photos: Nikos Katikis/DPPI)

On gravel, starting orders are always crucial. The sweeping phenomenon often condemns those who set off first, hence the crucial role of the qualifying stage. This dominant nature is further accentuated in Poland, where the layer of sand covering the surface is thick, and it takes several cars before grip improves.

Held near the service park set up in the parking lots of the enormous Golebiewski Hotel, the Baranowo shakedown measured 6,30 km. Starting 17^e Martins Sesks (Fabia RS) set the fastest time in this session. The Liepaja driver had already secured the scratch during free practice, confirming his status as a strong contender for victory.

The very pleasant surprise came from Stéphane Lefebvre's second place (Yaris). Two weeks ago, the Frenchman seemed to have lost his driving style on the Swedish stages and he was wondering what Poland would hold for him. It may only be qualifying, but he managed to climb ahead of all the title favorites in ERC.

The latter achieved a nice group shot with Roope Korhonen (Yaris), 4^e, Mads Ostberg (C3) 5^e, Andrea Mabellini (Fabia) 6^e and finally Mikolaj Marczyk (Fabia) only 8^e and constituting the main disappointment of this qualification. Positioned 3^e On the podium, Isak Reiersen (Fabia) confirmed his 3^e place in Sweden.

Outsiders like Jon Armstrong (Fiesta) or Simone Tempestini (Fabia) did not completely succeed in their special, the Englishman finishing 8th^e and Romanian (10^e).

Confirming the work he still has to do to perform well on earth, Jos Verstappen settled for 20^e time. With the reversed starting order resulting from this qualification, the Dutchman will not have a very clean road unlike the main players.

The race will kick off this evening with a superspecial on the hotel circuit. The first stage will continue with six special stages on Saturday (a loop of three stages to be completed twice) and a further run through the superspecial site. There will be a timed 6 km.