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Kajetanowicz enjoys ERC contrast on ‘unpredictable’ Circuit of Ireland

The defending FIA European Rally Champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz is enjoying the "completely different" challenge offered by the Circuit of Ireland after excelling on yesterday's slippery Qualifying Stage.

Some typically British weather conditions greeted the ERC crews on the first day of the Northern Ireland event, with so much mud coating the Qualifying Stage that it "looked as if it was a gravel rally" according to Kajetanowicz.

Even though the Polish star was second quickest on the 4.22-kilometre Tardree test, in front of island natives Alastair Fisher, Craig Breen, Keith Cronin and Martin McCormack, he is modest about what he will achieve on the second round of the season.

He said: "I am glad that I do not have to forecast the weather in the British Isles; it is so changeable in Ireland that people who do it probably get fired very quickly!

"Our time was very good but it is difficult to say whether we will be among the frontrunners because we had two practice runs before the Qualifying Stage and tomorrow we will fight on roads which are completely new to us, while many of our competitors know them well.

"The task is therefore very challenging. I am glad because I learn a lot during such different rallies. Last time out we were fighting in the Canary Islands, where the grip was fantastic, and here it is completely different - although if it is dry, there are sections on the road which offer really good grip.

"However, a change of weather conditions is enough to turn everything upside down. This is the Circuit of Ireland: as unpredictable as the weather here."

Zdroj: fiaerc.com