Szeja makes ERC return with Stříteský tips
Jarosław Szeja is leaving no stone unturned ahead of his FIA European Rally Championship return on this home event, Rally Silesia.
The Polish championship leader called on Barum Czech Rally Zlín winner Dominik Stříteský for advice during his test ahead of the asphalt-only round.
“Dominik is a young yet very quick driver who understands very well how a rally car works and what must be done to make it faster,” Szeja said of the newly crowned Czech champion. “I am glad he agreed to help us before Rally Silesia. I am sure that the tips he shared with us will pay off during the event.”
Szeja made his ERC debut 10 years ago on the 44th running of Barum Czech Rally Zlín at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. This weekend’s Rally Silesia marks his seventh ERC event and his fourth in top-level machinery.
However, with a maiden Polish championship crown at stake – Szeja and co-driving brother Marcin top the national title table by 22 points – hopes of home glory are high.
“I don’t feel the pressure, to be honest,” said the 41-year-old. “We are on the top of the leaderboard, which means that we are the ones to be chased by our rivals. They need to outpace us and score much more points. Moreover, I know most of Rally Silesia’s stages very well. I like their characteristics, with ever-changing grip and bumpy and hilly sections. Nevertheless, we are going to approach this event wisely.”
Szeja lives in Ustron, a short distance from three-time ERC champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz, who will be on course car-driving duties on Rally Silesia. The Gmina Jasienica, Hażlach and Ochaby stages are located 20 kilometres from Ustron.
Rally Silesia– information:
The first edition of the Rally Silesia took place in 2017, immediately as a round of the Polish Championship – the most important rally series in our country. In the following years, the event was gradually developed – competitors in historic rally cars joined the participants, the Rally Silesia emerged new Polish champions and a spectacular show was organized – a special stage in the center of Katowice. In 2023, the competition gained international rank, becoming part of the European Rally Trophy (FIA ERT). It also gained recognition from the World Automobile Federation (FIA) and the promoter of the European Championship, which resulted in the promotion of the Rally Silesia to the FIA European Rally Championship (FIA ERC) – the second most important series in the world.
The honorary patronage over the competition was assumed by Wojciech Saługa, Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship.
The main partner of the Rally Silesia is the Silesian Voivodeship.
The strategic partner of the Rally Silesia is the GZM Metropolis.
The city of Katowice is a co-host of the event, and the MOYA brand is a partner of the Rally Silesia. The Silesian Stadium in Chorzów is a co-organizer of the competition.
The event’s partner is also the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, and the task was co-financed from the state budget from the part administered by the Minister of Sport and Tourism.
All information about the Rally Silesia can be found on the website www.rallysilesia.com Facebook @rajdslaska, Instagram @rajd_slaska and Twitter @RajdSlaska.
