After the Historic field, the rain slowly receded and the start ceremony continued. In the ORB category, the competitors took to the podium and were welcomed by Ádám Haraszti, sports commentator, and the audience gathered at Széchenyi Square.

With the single starting number, driver Mads Østberg and navigator Eriksen Torstein drove to the podium in a Citroen C3. Ádám Haraszti asked the competitors how they feel and what they expect from the Mecsek Rally. They already have plenty of experience in Hungarian races, but the pilot said that he really likes this city, he really enjoyed the tracks.

Then András Hadik and his navigator, Krisztián Kertész, stood under the starting gate with a Ford Fiesta. The pilot said that in terms of the weather, they should expect a wet track, so they will pay close attention to the tire choice.

The Polish drivers took the place of Hadik and Kertész with a Skoda Fabiva. Grzyb Grzegorz and Kozdron Kamil said that this is their second time here at the Mecsek Rally, but they think that the tracks are very difficult. It doesn't help them either that the Hungarian competitors are very fast, so they expect a tough field.

Frigyes Turán took the podium with László Bagaméri. The competitors are very happy to be here at the Rally, it was also visible on their faces, as they were both smiling the whole time they were talking with Ádám.

Another Skoda Fabia drove onto the podium, this time driven by driver Miklós Csomós. "We are really looking forward to the weekend, we have good memories here, as we won the victories here in the smaller categories." The competitors were expecting good weather, but Csomós added with a laugh: "of course that didn't happen." The driver thinks that today's fast night won't be easy, since he doesn't really like driving at night, and as a plus, it's even raining.

Next, Klausz Kristóf stood next to the commentator, also with a Skoda Fabia. Competitors are expecting a slippery track this evening, but they are hoping that the track will dry out. According to the pilot, all competitors are now thinking about changing tires, which will be a very influencing factor in the results.

Once again, a Skoda Fabia was visible on the podium. Pilot Ádám Velenczei said that they have no problem with the rain, and the darkness does not cause them any difficulties either. "You have to do well here, like everywhere else" – summed up the Venetian briefly. In his opinion, due to the rainy weather, today will be the biggest difference in the results.

Then László Bodolai and Attila Deák drive up to the podium with a Ford Fiesta. Haraszti also asks them more about the weather, as this is authoritative in every respect for such a competition. Bodolai said that they have to adapt to this situation and they definitely want to enjoy the competition. The number nine drivers also said that they were not prepared for this weather, so it was definitely a challenge. "We're trying to be more safe on this first fast."

"We only temporarily broke the line of Fabias" says Haraszti, as Péter Osváth and Tamás Papp pull up with their Skoda. They were not happy about the rain either, as the weather can affect many things. "We've already experienced this, haven't we, that it started to rain right when we were about to start." Osváth recalls a Rally in Miskolc.

Ollé "Sasa" drives up to the podium in the yellow Skoda, where Haraszti is already waiting for the competitors. The commentator asked what they expected from this fast one, to which Sasa replied: "I like the rain, I don't like the dark". The pilot pointed out that he can see worse in the dark, so he might not make good time at this time, but his navigator, Rebeka Ollé, is very good, so there won't be any problems. The driver said that the biggest difference will probably be at the start, as the young drivers are more brave, but this asphalt is no longer suitable for him. Nevertheless, they definitely want to be in the top 10.

Once again, a Ford Fiesta takes Skoda's place on the podium. Driver Antal Kovács said that he thinks the track in Pécsvárad is very good, and added that he does not mind if the road becomes more slippery due to the weather.

Then a Skoda Fabia again takes the place on the podium, driven by Tibor Tóth. The pilot says that he is not happy about the weather, as the darkness, the rain and the heat also contribute to the race. He added that because of these, they will have to pay close attention on the pitch.

Róbert Bútor and Róbert Tagai take the podium with their Citroen car. Seeing the Citroen C3 WRC with starting number 16, the audience immediately started applauding. The driver says that they have prepared for dry weather, so Saturday will be a little better, but in the Rally, you have to adapt to sudden changes.

We wish everyone the best of luck in the competition!