Harrach and Kajetanowicz enjoy close fight

Jan Kopecký and Bryan Bouffier weren’t the only drivers to enjoy a thrilling fight for victory on the International Jännerrallye.

Beppo Harrach and Kajetan Kajetanowicz (pictured) also fought out an epic battle for glory on the FIA European Rally Championship opener with Harrach clinching the honours in the ERC Production Car Cup by a mere 1.1s.

While Austrian hero Harrach was overjoyed, reporting afterwards a brush with a concrete block left him fearing a puncture on the final stage, event newcomer Kajetanowicz also had every reason to celebrate at the finish in Freistadt on Saturday evening.

Kajetanowicz, the multiple Polish champion, excelled throughout the 18-stage event in his LOTOS Group-backed Subaru Impreza R4 STI, finishing sixth overall and claiming an outright stage win in the process, a feat also achieved by Harrach.

“Taking part in such a prestigious international rally is an incredible experience for me and making one of my dreams come true, and winning a special stage with one of the best drivers in the world is a great achievement,” he said. “I didn’t want to disappoint myself and my fans’ great expectations. It’s fantastic that during these three days I could give plenty of positive emotions to motorsports fans not only from Poland, and made them feel pride and fun watching the competition. I’d like to thank LOTOS Group that we could take part in this event. Results that we achieved during special stages of the whole rally proved that I’m ready, together with my team, to face new challenges.”