The challenging Rally de Portugal ended on April 14th (Sunday). Kubica finished sixth in the WRC-2 category, while Kościuszko had to pull out altogether during the last special stage due to technical problems.

After Saturday's runs, it became clear to both Michał Kościuszko and Maciek Szczepaniak of the LOTOS Rally Team that the battle for the top scores would be really tough. The team exhibited strong fighting spirit throughout, however their tires wore out way too fast because of harsh conditions on Portuguese roads, leaving Kościuszko and Szczepaniak with only two new tires for Sunday.

"All we are left with is worn-out tires which under normal circumstances would be thrown away," said Michał before Sunday's special stages.

Unfortunately, a nightmare scenario was not to be avoided. Owing to the faulty gearbox, the Kościuszko-Szczepaniak team were eliminated at the 7th kilometre of the last special stage of Rally de Portugal, and so were unable to finish the fourth round of the World Rally Championship.

"The gearbox did not withstand the hardships and virtually broke down in two," said Michał. "We were completely helpless. Had it not been for the technical glitches, I could have had a chance for a lifetime score in the WRC [7th position - author's note] and now I truly regret it."

However, Robert Kubica, another Polish rally driver supported by LOTOS, had better luck. Although there were many technical problems plaguing their Citroen DS3 RRC (faulty paddle shifter, hand brake and differential), Robert and his co-driver Maciek Baran finished sixth in the WRC-2 category and 20th in the General Classification of Rally de Portugal.

"It was a truly enriching experience. When our car was not acting up, we managed to drive at a good speed," Robert commented about his performance in Rally de Portugal.

The winner of the rally was Sebastien Ogier.

Rally Azores (April 25th-27th) is the next car event with the rally drivers supported by LOTOS in attendance. More specifically, it is one of preliminary rounds of the European Rally Championship in which Robert Kubica will compete. Less than a week later, Michał Kościuszko will start in Rally Argentina (May 1st-4th), the next round of the WRC.

Grupa LOTOS is Robert Kubica's Official Partner and the strategic partner of the LOTOS Rally Team. Michał Kościuszko is also supported by the LOTOS Dynamic fuel brand and LOTOS motor oil brand.

For more information about Michał Kościuszko and Maciek Szczepaniak's rally performances, please visit: http://www.lotosrallyteam.pl/ or the Facebook profile "Emocje do pełna" at http://www.facebook.com/EmocjeDoPelna.

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