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Pieniążek takes satisfaction from pace on ERC Junior warm-up

Łukasz Pieniążek was pleased to show his pace on the opening round of the 2016 FIA European Rally Championship, even though an error prevented a top ERC3 result.

Pieniążek took part in Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés in preparation for his second campaign in the ERC Junior Championship, which begins on next month's Circuit of Ireland Rally. It was his first event in the Opel Adam R2 he will use in 2016.

Pieniążek held second place in ERC3 and was just 15.2 seconds behind compatriot (and reigning Polish champion) Łukasz Habaj at the end of the first loop of stages on Friday, but damage incurred on SS4 prevented him from returning for the afternoon loop.

Upon restarting under the Rally 2 rules on Saturday, Pieniążek set further strong stage times and was the third quickest driver in his class over the second leg, behind Habaj and another Pole, Aleks Zawada.

"I am really glad we were able to start in the Rally Islas Canarias," said Pieniążek. "The stages out there were truly wonderful, just like the fans, who came to watch the stages in big numbers. Massive thanks for the boost you gave us!

"We are satisfied with our pace, I regret the mistake from day one, but that is rally. The second day was very clean for us and without any troubles we finished the day in third place."

Zdroj: fiaerc.com