Daniel Polasek and KMS Racing to top off the season with another podium
KMS Racing’s Daniel Polasek finished third in the FRC3 category in the season finale in Kokkola. Third position was enough to secure fourth in the drivers’ championship. Co-driver Katerina Janovska got to celebrate a medal however, as the Czech copilot won bronze in the co-drivers’ championship.
KMS Racing, the official M-Sport partner in Finland, has finished on the podium on the final round of the Finnish Rally Championship in Kokkola. Team’s young talent Daniel Polasek secured his third podium of the year. The Czech driver finished his maiden season in Finland with a P4 in the overall standings. The other half of the crew, co-driver Katerina Janovska, won bronze medal in the FRC3 co-drivers’ championship.
The pair started the rally on Friday with a second fastest time on the day-ending super special stage. Going to the final day of the season, Polasek was sitting fourth in the classifications.
A tough battle for fourth position ensued on the first half of the day, with Polasek on top at the day’s service. However, after misfortune of a fellow competitor, Polasek was elevated into third position, in which the young talent finished. A P3 finish meant a P4 in the FRC3 overall standings.
-I am happy that we finished the season in Finland, it was a great experience and it taught us a lot. Standing on a podium one more time was a great feeling too! I am sure we will come back to Finland soon. Thank you to the team for their support this year, and congratulations for Katerina for bronze medal, Polasek after the conclusion of their maiden season in Finland.
KMS Team Principal Jussi Kumpumäki is pleased with the progress seen throughout the year. Furthermore, the work put in by the team throughout the season deserves recognition.
-It’s been a great season. Daniel came here to learn, and that he has done. The difference to the top has been getting smaller and smaller in every race, and we have recognised where the remaining gap is. Only one small mistake at the season opener, but otherwise a solid season for the drivers and the car, of which a massive thank you to our team as well. Whilst FRC season has concluded, we have something still in the planner, but more on that next week, Kumpumäki stated.
1. Nico Valkonen 1:01:17,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
2. Jooa Iivari +1:47,9 Renault Clio Rally4
3. Daniel Polasek +3:14,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
4. Justus Räikkönen +6:23,9 Peugeot 208 Rally4
5. Topi Kärki +13:40,6 Ford Fiesta Rally4
FRC3 Drivers’ standings
1. Justus Räikkönen 101 Peugeot 208 Rally4
2. Tuomas Välilä 93 Ford Fiesta Rally4
3. Nico Valkonen 90 Ford Fiesta Rally4
4. Daniel Polasek 83 Ford Fiesta Rally4
5. Niko Patajoki 52 Ford Fiesta Rally4
FRC3 Co-Drivers’ standings
1. Mikael Korhonen 101
2. Päivi Välilä 93
3. Katerina Janovska 83
4. Niklas Heino 59
5. Juha Lummaa 52
Photo: Merita Mäkinen
