Rozak Reigns Supreme in the "Pressure Cooker": Race 5 Decides the Final 10
FRIESACH/SOSTANJ, 7 January 2026 – The tension was palpable before the start for Race 5 of the 3rd FAI World Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix Final. Dubbed the "Pressure Cooker" by commentators, this wasn't just another race; it was a high-stakes game of musical chairs. With only the top 10 pilots in the overall standings advancing to tomorrow's Grand Final (8 feb 2026), the 212 km task from Friesach (Austria) to Sostanj (Slovenia) was the last chance to secure a seat at the table.
Witold Rozak (POL), the championship leader, didn't need to win today to qualify. But champions don't fly for fun. In a display of pure dominance, Rozak stamped his authority on the series with his second victory, proving he is the undisputed pilot to beat going into the finale.
The Route: A Tale of Two Valleys
The task sent the fleet on a scenic but technical journey. Launching from the Austrian mountains with a 2000m start ceiling, the pilots first navigated to Seeboden before crossing the Karawanks range into Slovenia.
The crux of the race lay in the route choice to Turnpoint 2 (Jesenice). A significant split occurred early:
The Northern Group: Led by Rozak (POL), David Redman (AUS), the main pack stuck to the high ground north of the track, using the Southerly wind to ridge-run along the peaks.
The Southern Group: Nico Bianchi (ARG), Ryan Wood (CAN), and Artur Dziuk (POL) gambled on a southern route, hoping for better energy lines and a faster route towards the Slovenian border.
The Turning Point: The Slovenian Border
As the fleet converged on the border, the northern strategy paid off. The southern group fell behind, leaving Bianchi and Wood fighting to catch up. Meanwhile, Witold Rozak (POL), and Arne-Martin Güettler (NOR) executed a perfect transition into the Lesce-Bled valley. Welcomed by well-aligned cumulus streets, they accelerated towards the second turnpoint, turning the race into a high-speed drag race along the Karavanke ridge.
The Finish: A Masterclass in Ridge Running
The final leg to Sostanj was a heart-stopping display of precision flying. The leaders hugged the terrain, wingtips meters from the rocks, pushing their 18m gliders to VNE (Velocity Never Exceed).
Arne-Martin Güettler led the charge into the final sector, but Witold Rozak was relentless. finding a slightly better energy line in the dying kilometers, Rozak surged ahead to cross the line first. It was a statement victory: he didn't just qualify; he demoralized the opposition ahead of tomorrow’s final race.
Arne-Martin Güettler (NOR) finished a strong 3rd, signaling a return to form before the Finals… but will it be enough to qualify? Jannes Stahf (GER) and Sean Churchill (UK) rounded out the top 5, securing their places in tomorrow's showdown.
The Final 10: Who Survived?
The dust has settled, and the cut has been made. The reigning World Champion Arne-Martin Güettler (NOR) is OUT, and unfortunately failed to qualify to the last race. Jannes Stahf (GER) makes it in the TOP 10, ejecting Yuki Kazama (NGS) from the Final.
The following TOP 10 pilots have qualified for the Grand Final at 19h00 UTC on Feb 8:
The Grand Finale Awaits
Tomorrow, the slate is wiped clean (figuratively - points still count!). The top 10 will face off in one final, winner-takes-all race to decide the World Champion. With Rozak in peak form and Jennen looking to spoil the party, it promises to be an epic conclusion.
Watch the Grand Final LIVE:
Sunday, 19:00 UTC on Twitch and YouTube. Don't miss history in the making!
