RZEŹNIK MAKES HISTORY AS YOUNGEST-EVER POLISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

19-year-old claims breakthrough victory at the 54th Świdnica Rally to lead the RSMP standings

Adrian Rzeźnik delivered one of the most remarkable performances in recent Polish rallying history by becoming the youngest driver ever to win a round of the Polish Rally Championship (RSMP) after securing victory at the 54th Świdnica Rally alongside co-driver Kamil Kozdroń.

Competing in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, the 19-year-old emerged victorious in only his second appearance in the national championship and his first-ever start at the famous Świdnica event. The result places the Rzeźnik/Kozdroń crew at the top of the RSMP standings after the opening round of the season.

Historic Achievement in Only Second RSMP Start

Facing a highly competitive Rally2 field, Rzeźnik and Kozdroń combined speed with consistency throughout the seven-stage event. The pair claimed two stage wins and remained firmly in contention across the rally, finishing outside the top three on only one special stage.

Their victory margin of 4.2 seconds highlighted just how closely fought the battle was, but the young crew managed to maintain control when it mattered most.

The achievement also sees Rzeźnik break a long-standing age record previously held by WRC star Esapekka Lappi, who won Rally Poland in 2012 at the age of 21.

"After crossing the finish line of the final special stage, I couldn't believe we'd won. The pace was relentless, the emotions were overwhelming, and the feeling was incredible. Kamil and I are delighted with the victory, but if someone had told us before the rally that we'd be on the podium, we would have taken it immediately." — Adrian Rzeźnik

Strong Saturday Performance Secures Victory

The rally began on Friday evening with a short three-kilometre super special stage where the Rzeźnik/Kozdroń crew set the fourth-fastest time.

Saturday's action proved decisive.

The young duo immediately moved into contention by winning the demanding 20-kilometre Rościszów-Lubachów stage. Additional third-fastest times on Sierpnica-Kamionki and Ostroszowice-Srebrna Góra allowed them to retain the rally lead through the first loop.

A second victory on the repeated Rościszów-Lubachów stage further strengthened their position. They then added another top-three result before narrowly missing out on Power Stage victory by just one-tenth of a second.

The performance was enough to secure overall victory and maximum championship momentum heading into the next round.

Kozdroń Finally Conquers Home Favourite

For co-driver Kamil Kozdroń, the victory carried additional significance.

After multiple previous appearances at the Świdnica Rally, including runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019, he finally stood on the top step of the podium at an event closely connected to his rallying roots.

"I've finally managed to secure victory in the Świdnica Rally. It was here, near Srebrna Góra, that I first came to watch a rally 23 years ago with my brother and father. Adrian and the whole team did a sensational job, and it is a fantastic feeling to win this event after such a close battle." — Kamil Kozdroń

Rallying Runs in the Family

Rzeźnik's rapid rise is no accident. The young driver grew up immersed in the sport through his father, Maciej Rzeźnik, a former Polish Rally Championship vice-champion.

His development has also been supported by 2017 Polish champion Filip Nivette, helping accelerate a career that has already delivered notable success despite his age.

Before entering the RSMP, Rzeźnik claimed the Lithuanian Rally Championship LARC3 vice-champion title at just 17 years old. Since 2025, he and Kozdroń have also competed in the FIA European Rally Championship.

Championship Leaders After Round One

Victory in Świdnica gives Rzeźnik and Kozdroń 34 championship points and a five-point advantage in the RSMP standings after the opening event of the season.

54th Świdnica Rally – Final Results

1. Adrian Rzeźnik / Kamil Kozdroń (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) – 58:51.8

2. Grzegorz Byśkiniewicz / Daniel Jastrzębski (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +4.2s

3. Jarosław Szeja / Marcin Szeja (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +23.2s

4. Zbigniew Kołtun / Michał Pleskot (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +52.6s

5. Łukasz Łabuda / Daniel Dymurski (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +1:20.1

RSMP Championship Standings After Round 1

1. Adrian Rzeźnik / Kamil Kozdroń – 34 pts

2. Grzegorz Byśkiniewicz / Daniel Jastrzębski – 29 pts

3. Jarosław Szeja / Marcin Szeja – 24 pts

4. Zbigniew Kołtun / Michał Pleskot – 21 pts

5. Łukasz Łabuda / Daniel Dymurski – 18 pts

KEY POINTS

• Adrian Rzeźnik becomes the youngest winner in Polish Rally Championship history.

• The 19-year-old secured victory in only his second RSMP start.

• Rzeźnik and Kamil Kozdroń won the 54th Świdnica Rally by 4.2 seconds.

• The crew leads the RSMP standings after the opening round.

• The previous age record was held by WRC winner Esapekka Lappi.