In January 1934 it was fitted with Czech Walter Bora radial engine (220 hp), and in spring 1934 with newly constructed Polish radial engine GR-760 (290 hp), created by Stanisław Nowkuński.
Five Fi 97s took part in the Challenge 1934 touring plane championship in August-September, and Hans Seidemann took third place in an Argus-powered Fi 97, bested only by two Polish RWD-9s.