(20^th July 2018) This year Baja Poland celebrates 10^th edition of the event held for the first time in 2009. Nowadays the round of FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies is well recognized by the competitors and for the seventh time organized as a top priority event in cross country rallying. This year’s Columna Medica Baja Poland will be based as usual in Szczecin with demanding special stages at military training ground in Drawsko Pomorskie and in Dobra municipality. The region of  Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship will host the best cross-country crews between 31^st of August and 2^nd of September.

- Every year we try to make some changes, which are going to improve the rally, both in sporting and organizational level. Thanks to cooperation with Szczecin authorities the rally headquarters again will be based on picturesque Lasztownia island. Not only we have there a lot of space for the service park and offices, but this is a great place to host start and finish ceremony. Meanwhile the special stages are the most important for the competitors. Therefore, I am glad to announce that this year, for the first time in history of Baja Poland competitive tests will cover the distance of more than 500 kilometres. The key point is run twice iconic Drawsko stage, which has been extended up to 220 kilometres. Baja Poland can grow stronger and develop thanks to local authorities who are very helpful when it comes to organizing the rally. What is more we appreciate a huge support and help which comes from State Forests and Polish army. We are very happy to have such a great partners. The entry list will be announced a week before the start of the rally, but without any doubts we are going to see all the top crews, which compete in FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies along with teams from Polish Cross-Country Rallies Championship and a few other rallying series – said Marcin Fiejdasz, Baja Poland Clerk of the Course.

One of the drivers with great chance of winning 2018 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies is Jakub Przygonski. Pole is one of the competitors expected to enter Baja Poland this year. Currently Przygonski holds first place in World Cup standings after he has won three out of seven rounds (Dubai, Qatar and Italy), which were already held this season. Three other events he finished in second place, while in one rally he was just behind top three (4^th place). Being in such a good form, Przygonski seems to be a driver who can win the title this year and repeat the great success of Krzysztof Holowczyc in 2013.

However, winning Baja Poland won’t be an easy task for Przygonski considering expected level of competition. His main rivals, including Martin Prokop (Czech Republic) and Wladimir Wasiliew (Russia) will likely compete in most famous Polish cross-country event. What is more Krzysztof Holowczyc is another star, who announces his start. Baja Poland five-time winner is the one to watch, as his goal is pretty obvious - to fight for sixth victory in his favourite rally.

Columna Medica Baja Poland is also the round of FIA CEZ Championship (Central European Zone), Polish Cross-Country Rallying Championship (RMPST), Czech Cross-Country Rallies Championship (MMCR) and Polish Cross-Country Rallies Cup, as well as Dacia Duster Elf Cup. This means that fans can expect entry list with more than 100 crews.

Schedule of Columna Medica Baja Poland 2018
The route: 736,38 kms including 7 special stages of total length of 505,08 kms

Friday, 31st of August
16:30: start ceremony, Lasztownia island, Szczecin
18:00: SS 1 – Szczecin, 7,08 km (Szafera street)

Saturday, 1st of September
08:35: SS 2 – Drawsko Pomorskie, 220 km
12:05: service B, Drawsko Pomorskie
13:55: SS3 – Drawsko Pomorskie, 220 km
17:25: service C, Drawsko Pomorskie
20:10: parc ferme, Lasztownia island, Szczecin

Sunday, 2nd of September
08:40: SS 4 – Krzekowo, 18,50 km
09:35: SS 5 – Lubieszyn, 10,50 km
10:30: service D, Lasztownia island, Szczecin
12:30: SS 6 – Krzekowo, 18,50 km
13:25: SS 7 – Lubieszyn, 10,50 km
14:30: finish ceremony, Lasztownia island, Szczecin