Round 5 of the 2024 Drift Masters season kicked off today at the Rabocsiring in Mariapocs, Hungary, in an action-packed day that well and truly set the stage for a thrilling weekend. With just four points separating James Deane, Lauri Heinonen, and Duane McKeever at the top of the standings heading into the weekend, the tension was palpable as drivers prepared for the penultimate round of the season.
In the main qualifying session, it was Polish driver Piotr Wiecek who stole the show, posting a stunning 97.5 to take the top spot. Hot on his heels was fellow countryman Jakub "Kuba" Przygonski, who delivered a near-perfect 97-point run. Championship leader James Deane from Ireland secured third with a strong 96, keeping his title hopes alive. And last but not least, it would be returning Finnish wildcard driver and two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera who thoroughly impressed with a 95.5 to round out the top four, all of whom would head into battle in the Round 5 Qualifying Showdown.
As the Qualifying Showdown commenced, the excitement only ramped up a level. The first battle saw Wiecek and Rovanpera face off in an all-Supra duel, with Wiecek emerging victorious to advance to the final. The second battle featured Deane and Przygonski, with Przygonski taking the win in a closely contested fight. This set up an all-Polish Qualifying Showdown final between Wiecek and Przygonski.
Both drivers had been in top form all day, but it was Wiecek who proved himself as the stronger of the two on the night, securing victory in both the Showdown and the main qualifying event. His dominant performance sets him up as the man to beat heading into tomorrow’s Top 32 battles.
With the main competition day just hours away, all eyes are on the championship standings, and perhaps even more importantly, who can upset the apple cart to make the title fight even more unpredictable. The battle for the Drift Masters title is far from over, with Deane, Heinonen, and McKeever still in the hunt, but Wiecek’s victory today adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an unforgettable day of action tomorrow.
As we head into our Round 5 main event day, the question on everyone’s mind is who will rise to the occasion and lead the charge heading into our Grand Finale at Poland’s PGE Narodowy on September 13th & 14th. Don’t miss out on the action — tune in tomorrow exclusively live on Red Bull TV from 3.45pm local Hungarian time to see which driver will take a decisive step toward the 2024 Drift Masters championship!
Here’s a little reminder of today’s Top 32 Qualifying finishers and a look ahead to tomorrow’s Top 32 battle bracket.
