Madrid on Fire: Polish Drivers Take Center Stage in Drift Masters Round 2
Under the blazing Spanish sun, the Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE once again became the arena for the world’s top drifting talent. Just two weeks after the 2026 Drift Masters season opener, the second round brought 43 drivers back to the track, all competing not only for valuable championship points but also for supremacy in one of motorsport’s most spectacular disciplines.
Strong start for Polish drivers
The qualifying session already made it clear that Polish competitors would play a key role in Madrid. A score of 78.2 points was required to advance into the TOP32, and five Polish drivers comfortably met this threshold. The standout performer was Paweł Korpuliński, who first scored 88.7 points and then delivered a career-best run of 96.2 points. Only James Deane (97 points) managed to outperform him, while Mika Keski-Korpi completed the top three.
Control and consistency
Korpuliński’s TOP32 battle against Jarkko Jylhä was a display of controlled and mature drifting. Starting as the lead driver, he quickly built a solid advantage. In the chase run, he maintained close proximity and applied strong pressure without making mistakes, earning a unanimous decision from the judges.
In the TOP16, he faced Conor Falvey. After a challenging first run for the Irish driver and a subsequent engine failure, Falvey was unable to return to the track, handing Korpuliński a straightforward path into the TOP8.
A high-level quarter-final clash
The quarter-final battle with Conor Shanahan proved to be one of the most competitive matchups of the weekend. Korpuliński delivered an impressive leading run, but Shanahan responded with near-perfect precision. In the return run, the Polish driver stayed close, though a slight understeer in the first corner may have cost him crucial points. Ultimately, the judges awarded victory to the Irish driver, and Korpuliński finished the event in a strong fifth place.
Polish success in the final
The decisive stages brought even more excitement. In the semi-finals, Piotr Więcek faced James Deane in a battle so close it required a “One More Time,” after which the judges awarded Więcek the win.
In the final, Więcek put on a masterclass in precision and control, staying tightly glued to Shanahan’s car and executing flawless runs. His performance secured him victory in Round 2, earning 104 points and beating Shanahan by a significant margin. Mika Keski-Korpi rounded off the podium in third place.
Championship standings and what’s next
After two rounds, Conor Shanahan remains the championship leader with 195 points, closely followed by Piotr Więcek (186 points). James Deane sits in third place, while Paweł Korpuliński holds fourth, consistently strengthening his position in the standings.
The season accelerates
Round 2 of Drift Masters 2026 confirmed one thing – the level of competition continues to rise, and even the smallest mistake can make the difference between victory and defeat. With spectacular battles, minimal margins, and increasing pressure, the fight for the championship promises to be exceptionally intense.
The next round will take place on June 13–14 at Mondello Park in Ireland. If Madrid was any indication, fans can expect even more speed, even closer battles, and even greater excitement.
