Triple European rally champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz will switch to the WRC this season to tackle at least four rounds.

The 39-year-old Pole, who has lifted the European title for the last three years, begins his programme at next month’s Rally Italia Sardegna (7 - 10 June). The Lotos Rally Team pilot will drive a Ford Fiesta R5 run by M-Sport Poland.

The other events have still to be confirmed as has Kajetanowicz’s co-driver. Jaroslaw Baran has filled the right-hand seat since 2009.

“All previous seasons brought us a huge challenge but participating in the World Rally Championship can be described as a textbook example of a full tank of emotions,” said Kajetanowicz, who visited the opening three rounds to boost his WRC knowledge.

“Our team faces a completely new test. We will tackle unknown and new special stages, competing against experienced and fantastic opponents but, as always, we are ready to take up bigger and bigger challenges.”

Kajetanowicz is a four-time Polish champion and has massive support among his home-country fans.

“I know that many fans awaited this news – just like I did. I want to thank them for their patience and trust. I believe that they will continue to watch the unfolding events, crossing their fingers.

“The bar is set at a very high level but with great support of the Polish fans it is possible to fight successfully for the best results,” he added.

His only previous WRC start was in 2016 when he finished fourth in WRC 2 in Poland.

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