RALLY POLAND 2026: PIRELLI FACES NEW SILESIAN ASPHALT CHALLENGE
- RalliTurk TV
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
FIA EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR BRINGS A COMPLETELY NEW ROUTE AND A RETURN TO ASPHALT
The FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) returns to Poland from 24 to 26 July for the fourth round of the season, with the 82nd Rally Poland presenting a major change for competitors.
After years on the gravel roads of Masuria, the rally moves to the fast asphalt roads of Silesia for the first time since 2004. The route features 15 special stages covering 187.6 timed kilometres, with only a short 1.5-kilometre gravel section included at Ochaby.
Pirelli arrives in Poland leading the tyre suppliers’ standings after Roberto Daprà and Teemu Suninen secured a one-two finish at Rally di Roma Capitale. The three leading drivers in the provisional European Championship standings are also Pirelli-equipped, with Suninen leading on 48 points, ahead of Giandomenico Basso on 45 and Andrea Mabellini on 33.
Suninen and Marco Bulacia will compete in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars, while Mabellini will drive the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF.
Key points:
• Rally Poland is the fourth round of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship season.
• The 82nd Rally Poland moves from Masuria to the fast asphalt roads of Silesia.
• The event returns to asphalt for the first time since 2004, apart from a 1.5-kilometre gravel section.
• The rally features 15 special stages and 187.6 timed kilometres.
• Gmina Jasienica is the longest stage at 19 kilometres.
• Jastrzębie-Zdrój and Hażlach both exceed 17 kilometres.
• The legendary 6.5-kilometre Przegibek stage returns after a 27-year absence.
• Pirelli leads the tyre suppliers’ standings after the one-two finish at Rally di Roma Capitale.
• Teemu Suninen leads the provisional ERC standings with 48 points.
• Pirelli will supply medium RA7E and soft RA7+D P Zero asphalt tyres, plus the Cinturato RWD wet-weather tyre.
• Pirelli is also the sole tyre supplier and technical partner for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy.
A Completely New Rally Challenge
The move to Silesia creates a new challenge for the ERC field. The fast nature of the roads will be combined with long stages, technical sections and a change of surface at Ochaby.
Przegibek will be one of Sunday’s highlights. Although only 6.5 kilometres long, the stage features more than 50 bends and hairpins, making it one of the most technical tests on the route.
“The move from Masuria to Silesia presents an entirely new challenge for everyone. Speed will remain a defining feature, but long stages such as Gmina Jasienica and Hażlach will alternate with highly technical sections and changes of surface such as the one at Ochaby.”
— Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager
Pirelli expects the medium RA7E to be the main tyre choice for the event, while the soft RA7+D is intended to provide an alternative in cooler conditions or when grip levels are lower. The Cinturato RWD wet-weather tyre will also be available in case of rain.
Rally Poland also represents the fourth round of the season for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy. Pirelli remains the competition’s sole tyre supplier and technical partner, continuing its involvement in supporting young drivers and entry-level international rally categories.
Pirelli Rally Poland 2026
The 82nd Rally Poland will provide a major test of tyre selection and driver performance as the FIA European Rally Championship returns to asphalt in a new Silesian setting.
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