The Polish championship leader called on Barum Czech Rally Zlín winner Dominik Stříteský for advice during his test ahead of the asphalt-only round.
“Dominik is a young yet very quick driver who understands very well how a rally car works and what must be done to make it faster,” Szeja said of the newly crowned Czech champion. “I am glad he agreed to help us before Rally Silesia. I am sure that the tips he shared with us will pay off during the event.”
Szeja made his ERC debut 10 years ago on the 44th running of Barum Czech Rally Zlín at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. This weekend’s Rally Silesia marks his seventh ERC event and his fourth in top-level machinery.
However, with a maiden Polish championship crown at stake – Szeja and co-driving brother Marcin top the national title table by 22 points – hopes of home glory are high.
“I don’t feel the pressure, to be honest,” said the 41-year-old. “We are on the top of the leaderboard, which means that we are the ones to be chased by our rivals. They need to outpace us and score much more points. Moreover, I know most of Rally Silesia’s stages very well. I like their characteristics, with ever-changing grip and bumpy and hilly sections. Nevertheless, we are going to approach this event wisely.”
Szeja lives in Ustron, a short distance from three-time ERC champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz, who will be on course car-driving duties on Rally Silesia. The Gmina Jasienica, Hażlach and Ochaby stages are located 20 kilometres from Ustron.
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