History 1960s

1961 Rajd Polski (Polish Rally)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1961 Rajd Polski (Polish Rally)

Date: August 3–6, 1961

Start Location: Kraków, Poland

Finish Location: Kraków, Poland

Total Starters: 62 crews

Total Finishers: Data not specified

Round 7 of the 1961 European Rally Championship, the Rajd Polski challenged international teams with a demanding route through southern Poland, incorporating a blend of mountain terrain, high-speed valleys, and extensive liaison sections. A revered endurance rally, it tested reliability as much as raw speed, with weather and surface variability adding further difficulty.

Route

Zakopane Region: Included narrow hill climbs and slick gravel descents requiring constant correction.
Southern Highlands: Sections through Lesser Poland’s rural expanse offered rapid tarmac stages with hidden hazards.
Liaison Network: Long non-competitive stretches placed high mechanical strain on both cooling systems and fuel planning.

Crews covered approximately 2,550 kilometers, including around 100 km of timed stages on a mix of surfaces. The rally featured dramatic scenery and significant elevation changes throughout the Tatra foothills and surrounding regions.

Unpredictable terrain and lengthy travel between stages placed a premium on navigation and team cohesion.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Eugen Böhringer & Rauno Aaltonen · Mercedes-Benz 220 SE
2nd Place
Carl-Magnus Skogh & Karl-Erik Svensson · Saab 96
3rd Place
Sobiesław Zasada & Ewa Zasada · BMW 700

Böhringer and Aaltonen maintained a precise pace and avoided critical mechanical issues, delivering a calculated and commanding win for Mercedes-Benz.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Variability: Drivers had to adapt quickly to shifts between asphalt, gravel, and uneven rural tracks.
  • Weather Influence: Typical mountain conditions included fog, sudden showers, and fluctuating temperatures.
  • Endurance Pressure: Few service intervals and long days behind the wheel made crew coordination and mechanical preservation critical.

The 1961 Rajd Polski remained true to its roots — a rugged, unpredictable marathon that rewarded strategy, resilience, and flawless teamwork.

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