KMS Racing and Polasek Secure Fifth Place in Lahti
Daniel Polasek and KMS Racing have clinched the fifth spot in the Future SM Ralli held in Lahti. The Czech driver has been steadily improving his pace throughout the summer season, narrowing the gap to the leaders.
The official M-Sport partner in Finland, KMS Racing, and the Czech pair Daniel Polasek and Katerina Janovska took on the Future SM Ralli in Lahti as the Finnish Rally Championship continued with its penultimate event of the season. The fast-paced two-day competition, covering almost 125 special stage kilometers, saw Polasek land in fifth place.
Friday witnessed two special stages, with the latter unfortunately halted due to a fellow competitor's incident. After calculated times were factored in, Polasek started Saturday in sixth place.
Saturday hosted eight special stages. Polasek swiftly climbed to fifth place in the SM3 class right after the opening special stage, holding onto that position confidently until the finish line. This consistent performance speaks of an upward trajectory, and Polasek is already eyeing the season's final event in Kokkola.
”The race was great and we enjoyed it, and again gained a lot of experience! Good start line for the next round in Kokkola," Polasek stated.
KMS Racing's team manager, Jussi Kumpumäki, has noticed Polasek's progressing pace and is content with the Czech pair's performance on Lahti's challenging and swift gravel tracks.
"Undoubtedly, Daniel's best driving of the season! The gap to the leaders was narrower than in the earlier parts of the season. The top of the class is setting a blazing pace, and the competition is incredibly tight. While the FRC season culminates in Kokkola in a month and a half, Kokkola's FRC finale won't be rally in our calendar this fall. But more on that later," Kumpumäki explained.
Future SM Ralli FRC3 category standings:
1. Tuomas Välilä 1:04:10,2 Ford Fiesta Rally4
2. Leevi Lassila +19,2 Ford Fiesta Rally4
3. Romet Jurgenson +1:04,3 Ford Fiesta Rally4
4. Niko Patajoki +1:05,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
5. Daniel Polasek +1:41,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
Kuva: Merita Mäkinen
