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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #120 poslato: 02. Avg, 2015. 22:58 »
Success for ŠKODA: Lappi wins in Finland to take WRC 2 lead

​› Esapekka Lappi claims dominant home win, ahead of ŠKODA team-mate Pontus Tidemand
› Second one-two in a row for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “Confirmation that the team’s hard work is paying off”

​Jyväskylä, 2nd August 2015 – Another historic milestone for the new ŠKODA Fabia R5: Esapekka Lappi (FIN) moved to the top of the overall standings in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), courtesy of a dominant win on home soil at the Rally Finland. After a dazzling display at “Formula One in the Forest”, the “Flying Finn” and co-driver Janne Ferm (FIN) triumphed ahead of the second ŠKODA works team of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S). This was the second one-two in a row for the ŠKODA works team – just four weeks after the historic first WRC victory at the Rally Poland.

​“A great day for ŠKODA! This is another confirmation that the team’s hard work is paying off. Our new Fabia R5 once again ran perfectly for the full 320 kilometres of special stage at the fastest rally of the year,” said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director saved particular praise for the two driver/co-driver pairings: “At the Rally Finland, you need to drive skilfully and show courage and nerves of steel. Esappekka Lappi/Janne Ferm and Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson once again showed their class. Top spot in the WRC 2 table gives us another boost of motivation ahead of the coming rallies.”

The 25 points for their success in Finland have catapulted Esapekka Lappi to first place in the Drivers’ Championship – although ŠKODA has only contested half of the eight rounds of the WRC season so far. Lappi now leads with 70 points, followed by his compatriot Jari Ketomaa (67). In third place is the second ŠKODA driver, Pontus Tidemand (61). “It is obviously awesome to lead the WRC 2 standings. Above all, however, I am delighted to win my home rally. It is really special to win this WRC classic in front of so many fans. We drove perfectly, had perfect pace notes and a perfect car. I would like to thank the entire ŠKODA team,” said an overjoyed Lappi.

The 24-year-old was the outstanding driver in a dominant Fabia R5. On his way to victory he twice won the iconic Ouninpohja stage, which, with more than 70 jumps, is seen as the ultimate test of courage in the world of rallying. Clocking an average speed of 127.13 kilometres per hour, Lappi emphatically proved why the Rally Finland is also known as “Formula One in the Forest”. The ŠKODA Fabia R5 won 17 of the 20 special stages, making it the clear number one in the WRC 2 competition.

“Top speed all the way, lots of jumps, thousands of fans at every stage – the Rally Finland is a real highlight in the rallying calendar. Luckily for us, the Fabia R5 is the perfect car,” said Tidemand. “Second place was the best result we could have hoped for here. Congratulations to Esapekka and Janne.” Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm will be chasing more victories and FIA World Rally Championship titles in two and a half weeks. The Rally Germany from 21st to 23rd August is the next challenge, and the second ŠKODA works team will be represented by Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ).

Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson are returning to the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), and will be competing in Malaysia in two weeks’ time. With two victories and one second-place finish already, the ŠKODA works drivers have a commanding lead in the overall APRC standings.


Number of the day for the Rally Finland: 7

Seven podiums from just four starts in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) – that is the impressive record achieved by ŠKODA with the new Fabia R5. The car’s debut at the Rally Portugal ended with second and third place for Esapekka Lappi and Pontus Tidemand. The third works driver, Jan Kopecký (CZ) then finished third to claim his spot on the podium at the Rally Italy. This was followed by a one-two for Lappi and Tidemand in Poland, and now a repeat of that result in Finland.


Rally Finland – WRC 2 Result

1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN), ŠKODA Fabia R5                  2:40:15.0 hrs
2. Tidemand/Axelsson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5                + 1:41.0 min
3. Lefebvre/Prevot (F/B), Citroën DS3 RRC                     + 3:31.5 min
4. Protasov/Cherepin (UA/UA), Ford Fiesta S2000           + 4:58.3 min
5. Pedder/Moscatt (AUS/AUS), Ford Fiesta R5                 + 6:45.6 min
 

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event / Date               
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally France: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #121 poslato: 18. Avg, 2015. 15:28 »
Rally Germany: ŠKODA power with five Fabia R5s

​› Lappi/Ferm travel to Germany as new WRC 2 leaders
› Kopecký/Dresler dominate the Czech Rally Championship
› Three customer racing duos line up with the new Fabia R5 at the Rally Germany
› ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “We want to stay on the road to success with the Fabia R5”

​Mladá Boleslav, 18 August 2015 – After two one-twos in a row at the last two races in the WRC 2, ŠKODA now turns its attention to the Rally Germany with the new ŠKODA Fabia R5. A large contingent of five ŠKODA Fabia R5s will take to the asphalt route at the ninth round of this year’s World Championship. Finnish ŠKODA duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm line up as WRC 2 leaders. The second ŠKODA works team in action is that of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ). They are joined by three high-quality customer teams with the Fabia R5. ŠKODA’s five high-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouses will face around 375 kilometres against the clock, spread over 21 demanding special stages.

​“Five Fabia R5s at the Rally Germany – this strong presence is evidence of the fine job we did when developing our new rally car. The Rally Germany represents an enormous test for our teams. After two back-to-back one-twos, we would obviously like to challenge for the win again and remain on the road to success,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The new Fabia R5 must prove itself on an official asphalt rally in the WRC 2 for the first time at the Rally Germany. The new rally car’s first four starts in the World Championship were all predominantly on gravel. The formidable ‘Hinkelstein’ boulders that line the route are not the only thing that make the varied roads around the city of Trier the most challenging asphalt race in the FIA World Rally Championship. 

 “It is going to be an extremely exciting Rally Germany. I am really looking forward to the challenge from Jan Kopecký and the three customer teams. Our goal is to claim a third win in a row in WRC 2. But it will be damned hard,” said Esapekka Lappi. The Finn recently won both the Rally Poland and the Rally Finland and now leads the WRC 2 standings.

Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler have also impressed so far this season. The Czech duo arrive at the Rally Germany undefeated at the top of the standings in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). As such, Kopecký is brimming with confidence ahead of his second WRC 2 outing with the new Fabia R5: “Pavel and I are absolutely delighted to have another opportunity to prove ourselves in the World Rally Championship. We finished third on our WRC 2 debut on Sardinia this year. We will do everything in our power to finish on the podium again in Germany,” said the 33-year-old. The terrain ought to suit asphalt specialist Kopecký, who is also very familiar with the Rally Germany: he finished fifth here in 2007 to claim his best result in the top division of rallying, WRC.

As well as the two ŠKODA works teams, Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), Armin Kremer (D) and Fabian Kreim (D) will also be at the wheel of a Fabia R5. Reigning WRC 2 champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, two-time winner of the iconic Rally Dakar, will test the new Fabia R5 for the first time as a customer. Kreim is making a one-off guest appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship for the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland team. Former European champion Kremer is currently ninth in the WRC 2 standings with 34 points.


FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden; 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico; 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina; 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal; 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy; 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland; 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland; 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany; 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia; 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally France; 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain; 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain; 12.11.–15.11.2015


Did you know …

… Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm are the only duo to have won two WRC 2 rallies in a row this year? The Finns were victorious at the last two rounds in Poland and Finland.

… Esapekka Lappi tops the Drivers’ Championship in WRC 2, although he has only contested four of the season’s eight races so far? The Finn leads with 70 points, followed by compatriot Jari Ketomaa (67 points). Pontus Tidemand (61 points) is the second ŠKODA works driver in fourth place. Jan Kopecký already has 15 points to his name after just one WRC 2 outing this year.

… the ŠKODA works pairing of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson do not line up at this rally, as they recently turned their attention to their mission to win the title in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)? The duo was in action last weekend at the fourth round of the season in Malaysia. The successful duo holds a commanding lead in the APRC after three wins and a second place.

… the Rally Germany made its debut in 1982? It was originally part of the European Championship. In 2000, the service park moved to Trier. Two years later, the Rally Germany was included in the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time.

… the infamous Panzerplatte will provide the backdrop for the shortest and longest special stage at the Rally Germany on Saturday? The drivers must tackle the 45.61-kilometre “Panzerplatte Lang” twice on the former military training ground, whilst the 2.87-kilometre “Arena” stage is run three times.

… the diversified characteristics of the special stages make the Rally Germany extremely demanding? Various different surfaces must be mastered on the sections at the Baumholder military training ground, narrow and bumpy roads wind through the Mosel vineyards, a plethora of corners and crests await in the Eifel Mountains, while the roads through Saarland demand a flat-out mentality.

… the rally will both start and finish in front of the famous Roman gate in Trier, the Porta Nigra? Translated, this means “Black Gate”. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built around 180 AD.

… the city of Trier was founded over 2000 years ago under the name Augusta Treverorum? As such, Trier can claim to be the oldest city in Germany.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #122 poslato: 23. Avg, 2015. 17:26 »
Kopecký clinches hat-trick of wins for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the WRC 2

​› After Poland and Finland, ŠKODA is victorious with its new rally car at the Rally Germany in WRC 2
› ŠKODA Fabia R5 shines with best times on 19 stages
› Michal Hrabánek: “The first WRC 2 win on asphalt is particularly special”

​Trier, 23 August 2015 – With his win at the Rally Germany, asphalt king Jan Kopecký (CZ) clinched the hat-trick of wins for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). There was also a first: 33-year-old Kopecký and his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) celebrated the debut WRC 2 win on asphalt for ŠKODA's new rally car. And with a large lead of more than four minutes after 374.43 timed kilometres.

​“Jan Kopecký, Pavel Dresler and the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team have done a superb job. The first WRC 2 win on asphalt is particularly special. Firstly, because after the two wins on gravel in Poland and Finland, we have now proven that our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 is a winning car on any surface. Secondly, because Germany is the most important market for ŠKODA in Europe. However, this win is simply the motivation for us to continue to work hard for future successes,” summed up Michal Hrabánek, Motorsport Director at ŠKODA. ŠKODA development board member Dr. Frank Welsch was also delighted by the team's performance, after experiencing it first hand on the stages and at the service park in Trier.

In Kopecký/Dresler he witnessed a ŠKODA works team that drove in a league of its own in the WRC 2 at the Rally Germany. The successful duo took the lead on the first stage and continued to extend it on the narrow asphalt roads through picturesque vineyards. The reigning Asia-Pacific champion was in control at all times and fascinated tens of thousands of fans in glorious sunshine on the dreaded stages. “We are delighted with this win! That was a rally to enjoy in a fantastic car. Once again our ŠKODA Fabia R5 proved what an outstanding rally car it is,” said the old hand.

After four wins in four races, Kopecký is on track to win the title in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). Kopecký will be back in action in the national championship at the Barum Czech Rally Zlin this coming weekend. Kopecký: “We are already really looking forward to the Barum Rally with thousands of enthusiastic rally fans in our home country.”

The second ŠKODA works team of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) shone at the ninth event of the FIA World Rally Championship season with seven best times in WRC 2. A mistake on the second special stage at the Rally Germany put paid to any hopes of a top result. “After this mistake we were able to gain valuable experience here. We will be back on the attack in the next races and hope to do better,” said Lappi.
 
The new front-runner in the WRC 2 championship standings is reigning champion and Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q). On his debut in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the area of customer racing, the top driver worked his way up into fourth place in the classification after an impressive chase. The 22-year-old ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland driver Fabian Kreim (D) also hinted at his talent with top times in the Fabia R5.

Number of the day for the Rally Germany: 19

The ŠKODA Fabia R5 was the fastest car in the WRC 2 field on 19 of 21 special stages at the Rally Germany. Winner Jan Kopecký got the best time on eleven of the stages, the second works driver Esapekka Lappi was number 1 seven times. The other best time went to the reigning WRC 2 champion and Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), who was in action in ŠKODA's new rally as a customer for the first time.

Rally Germany – final standings WRC 2

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5: 3:47:18.8 hrs.
2. Camilli/Veillas (F/F), Ford Fiesta R5: + 4:13.8 min.
3. Giordano/Sarreaud (F/F), Citroën DS3 S2000: + 6:14.7 min.
4. Al-Attiyah/Baumel (Q/F), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 6:36.5 min.
5. Breen/Scott (IRL/GB), Peugeot 208 T16 R5: + 6:54.0 min.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event / Date               
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally France: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #123 poslato: 25. Avg, 2015. 11:37 »
Rally Zlín: Kopecký out to wrap up first title for the ŠKODA works team with the Fabia R5

​› Four races, four wins: comfortable overall lead for ŠKODA works duo Kopecký/Dresler in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
› Three successive wins for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 also in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› Rally Zlín: round five of the MČR also forms part of the FIA European Rally Championship
› Michal Hrabánek: “Zlín is one of the highlights of the season”

​Mladá Boleslav, 25 August 2015 – The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 possesses genuine power: ŠKODA duo Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) have won all four rounds of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) so far in ŠKODA’s new rally car. Kopecký/Dresler also got the third win in a row for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the Rally Germany this past weekend. ŠKODA can secure overall victory in the MČR with a race still to come at the 45th Barum Czech Rally Zlín (28th to 30th August). This would be the first title for the works team with the Fabia R5.

​The fifth and penultimate race of the MČR season also forms a round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). As such, ŠKODA will face some big names from all over Europe at its home rally in Moravia. The result of the Barum Rally is classified with a coefficient of 1.5, meaning any points scored in the Czech Republic will be multiplied by 1.5. Before then, however, the drivers must complete 229.21 kilometres against the clock, spread over 15 special stages.

“With its spectacular asphalt routes, thousands of fans and unpredictable weather, the Barum Czech Rally Zlín is one of the highlights of the Czech Rally Championship,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We have a chance of winning the Czech Rally Championship, and want to produce another top performance with our Fabia R5. We are also looking forward to some thrilling battles with many top European drivers.”

With four wins from four starts in the MČR, the Fabia R5 has proven to be a fast, reliable and winning car this season. ŠKODA works driver Jan Kopecký tops the overall standings in the MČR and holds a big lead over his closest rival Václav Pech (CZ). “We love the Barum. We want to win and convert this ‘match point’ to claim our first title with the Fabia R5,” said Kopecký.

Crowd favourite Kopecký already has three victories at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín to his name. His wins have come in a biennial rhythm: 2009, 2011 and 2013. Were this run to continue, the 33-year-old would be set to secure victory number four.



Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event /Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy; 24.04.–25.04.2015
Rally Český Krumlov; 22.05.–23.05.2015
Rally Hustopeče; 19.06.–20.06.2015
Rally Bohemia; 10.07.–12.07.2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín; 28.08.–30.08.2015
Rally Příbram; 02.10.–04.10.2015


Did you know …

… the iconic Trojak special stage is the longest stage of the rally, at a length of 23.01 kilometres? The drivers tackle this stage twice on Sunday. After the 4.71-kilometre qualifying stage, the Rally officially gets underway on Friday with the traditional city stage through the centre of Zlín. The 9.51-kilometre stage will be lined by thousands of spectators.

... throughout the history of this iconic rally, there have been two incidences of one car winning the rally five times in a row? It goes without saying that both cars were ŠKODAs. Between 1976 and 1980, the winner was always at the wheel of a ŠKODA 130 RS. From 2009 to 2013, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 was the victorious car. Last year, Sepp Wiegand (D) finished runner-up in the Fabia Super 2000.

... the Barum Czech Rally Zlín will be held for the 45th time this year? The rally made its debut in 1971. The first winner was Czech driver Jan Halmazňa – at the wheel of a ŠKODA (the 1100 MB) of course.

… the Barum Czech Rally Zlín was included in the Czechoslovakian Rally Championship for the first time in 1972? It also formed part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) for many years, and was even spoken of as a potential round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2005. Following the merger with the IRC, this year’s rally forms part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), as it did in 2013.

… the Barum Czech Rally Zlín was a massive 1200 kilometres long in 1974? This remains the longest distance in the history of the rally. For comparison: ‘only’ 229.21 kilometres of special stage are scheduled this year.

… the industrial city of Zlín has a population of over 75,000 and is almost 700 years old? The oldest written record of Zlín is from 1322. In socialist times, between 1949 and 1990, the city was called Gottwaldov.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #124 poslato: 30. Avg, 2015. 19:16 »
Jan Kopecký wins Czech championship title in the ŠKODA Fabia R5

​› Fifth win in fifth race gives Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler victory in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) before the end of the season
› Victory over Europe's elite at the 45th Barum Czech Rally Zlín and first title for the works team with the ŠKODA Fabia R5
› Special title hat-trick for Kopecký/Dresler: First European champions (2013), then Asia-Pacific champions (2014), now national champions (2015)
› Michal Hrabánek: “Reward for the work of the entire team”

​Zlín, 30 August 2015 – ŠKODA driver Jan Kopecký (CZ) was crowned Czech national champion, thereby giving the works team its first title with the new Fabia R5. Together with his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ), Kopecký was victorious on home soil at the 45th Barum Czech Rally Zlín, beating the gathered European elite and delighting thousands of fans. After the fifth win in five races this season, Kopecký/Dresler have clinched the title in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) before the end of the season. After victory in the European Championship (2013) and in the Asia-Pacific Championship (2014), this completed a very special hat-trick of titles.

​“Congratulations to our Czech national champions Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler! The first title with the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 for our works team is the reward for the work of the entire team of ŠKODA Motorsport. And also confirmation that we got something right when developing our new rally rocket,” praised ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The ŠKODA Fabia R5, which was first presented to the international public in April, proved to be a reliable and pacy winning car in the Czech national championship. Veteran driver Kopecký was unbeatable in the turbo four-wheel drive once again in the fifth race of the season and didn't let the European elite get a look in. The penultimate race of the MČR season was also part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

“We are delighted to have won the championship title! Václav Pech really didn't make things easy for us in the course of the season. But our ŠKODA Fabia R5 really is very very strong. I would also like to thank the team at ŠKODA Motorsport, who made it easy for us to win. First our victory at the Rally Germany in the WRC 2, then a week later victory in the ERC here at home – we really have had a brilliant time. Now it's time to celebrate,” said Kopecký. The 33-year-old Czech won the coveted Czech national championship title for the third time, after victory in 2004 (in the ŠKODA Fabia WRC) and 2012 (in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000).

It was made possible by a convincing performance on the demanding asphalt tracks in Moravia with numerous changes of direction. With wins on all eight of Saturday's special stages, Kopecký/Dresler built up a lead over arch-rival Václav Pech (CZ), which they managed to defend well on the six tricky special stages on Sunday, despite turning their car. This saw them continue their streak of winning every two years: After 2009, 2011 and 2013, they celebrated their fourth victory at the highlight of the season on the Czech rally scene.

And after the historic first title win with the Fabia R5, the ŠKODA works team is on the hunt for further titles this year. In the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), the works team of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) is on track to win the title. Works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) are also in with a good chance in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). “The first title win is our motivation to work even harder to get further success,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The number for the Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 9

The ŠKODA Fabia R5 was once again the outstanding car in the ERC rally in Moravia. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler won nine of the 15 special stages. In doing so, the new Czech national champions achieved the feat of winning all eight of Saturday's stages.

Barum Czech Rally Zlín – final result overall standings

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5; 2:12:17.7 hrs. 
2. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ), Mini John Cooper Works S2000; + 0:27.3 min.
3. Kajetanowicz/Baran (PL/PL), Ford Fiesta R5; + 0:39.9 min.
4. Lukyanuk/Arnautov (BY/RUS), Ford Fiesta R5; + 1:10.8 min.
5. Valoušek/Havelková (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000; + 2:30.0 min.

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event / Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 24.04.–25.04.2015
Rally Český Krumlov: 22.05.–23.05.2015
Rally Hustopeče: 19.06.–20.06.2015
Rally Bohemia: 10.07.–12.07.2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 28.08.–30.08.2015
Rally Příbram: 02.10.–04.10.2015
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #125 poslato: 29. Sep, 2015. 17:28 »
Rally Corsica: ŠKODA and the Fabia R5 out to continue winning run in WRC 2

​› ŠKODA leads WRC 2 Team standings on the back of three WRC 2 wins in a row
› Two ŠKODA works teams in action on Corsica: Lappi/Ferm and newly-crowned APRC champions Tidemand/Axelsson
› ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “The next big challenge for our new Fabia R5”
› “Rally of 10,000 Corners” on Corsica from 1st to 4th October

​Mladá Boleslav, 29 September 2015 – ŠKODA heads to the Rally Corsica (1 to 4 October) with the new Fabia R5 on the back of three WRC 2 victories in succession. Armed with its new rally car, the Czech manufacturer will be pushing for more success at the eleventh round of the 13-round season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). Lining up for ŠKODA are the two works crews of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) and Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S). Tidemand/Axelsson travel to the Mediterranean island as the newly-crowned champions of this year’s Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.

​“So far this season, the new Fabia R5 has consistently shown what it is capable of. We are out to continue our winning run on Corsica. The Rally Corsica will be a big challenge for our car and, above all, for our teams, who unfortunately have almost no experience of the special stages this time. Any mistakes are punished mercilessly,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The ‘Tour de Corse’ is taking place for the 58th time this year, and is regarded as one of the most demanding rallies of all. A precision job is required on the narrow, winding mountain roads, some of which are flanked by steep rock faces on the one side and sea cliffs on the other side. Between Friday and Sunday, a total of nine special stages and over 330 kilometres against the clock must be completed against this breath-taking backdrop. As well as the two ŠKODA works duos, former European champion Armin Kremer (D) will also be in action in a ŠKODA Fabia R5.

“The rally on Corsica is a real challenge. We are in it to win. We are very motivated and know that we cannot afford to make any mistakes,” said Esapekka Lappi. The Finn, currently fourth in the overall WRC 2 standings, already has two victories with the Fabia R5 to his name (Rally Poland and Rally Finland) in the current WRC 2 season. As the three crews ahead of him in the championship are not in action this weekend, a good result could see Lappi significantly close the gap to the leaders.

The ŠKODA works duo of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson are also well-placed in the WRC 2 championship. Tidemand travels to Corsica as the newly-crowned champion of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). The Swede wrapped up the APRC title with races still to come, courtesy of victory at the Rally Japan on the second weekend in September. This is the fourth APRC title in a row for a ŠKODA works driver – following in the footsteps of Chris Atkinson (AUS/2012), Gaurav Gill (IND/2013) and Jan Kopecký (CZ/2014).

ŠKODA Motorsport Director Hrabánek: “The entire ŠKODA team would like to congratulate Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson on their title in the APRC. Despite being in their first season with ŠKODA Motorsport, they are both doing a superb job.” Pontus Tidemand added: “Winning the APRC is a dream come true. I am now really looking forward to my next start in the World Rally Championship. The rally on Corsica will be like riding on the edge of a razor blade. Our goal is to finish on the podium. To achieve that, we must keep a cool head.”

In its first season, the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 is proving to be a natural born winner. As well as the successful outings in the WRC 2, the new rally car already has three national championships to its name. Fabia R5 driver Jan Kopecký wasted no time in claiming the title in the Czech championship with five wins from five rallies. In Austria, the experienced Raimund Baumschlager won the national championship in his Fabia R5. In Hungary, Norberg Herczig (H) was crowned national rally champion in a Fabia R5.


Did you know …

… ŠKODA Motorsport is the only team in this year’s WRC 2 to win three races in a row? Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm triumphed in Poland and Finland, making them the only crew with two back-to-back WRC 2 wins to their name. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler won the Rally Germany in dominant fashion at the wheel of the ŠKODA Fabia R5.

… ŠKODA Motorsport holds a commanding lead in the WRC 2 Team competition? The team has scored the maximum 125 points from five starts and currently lies 24 points ahead of the Youth and Sports Qatar Rally Team.

… ŠKODA works driver Esapekka Lappi is well-placed in fourth place in the WRC 2 Drivers’ Championship, despite only having raced at half of the season’s ten rallies so far? With 70 points, he trails leader Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), who has contested one rally more than the Finn, by 27 points. 25 points are available for a win. A further ŠKODA works driver is currently sixth, in the form of Pontus Tidemand (61 points). He is followed in seventh place overall by a third driver for the successful Czech team – Jan Kopecký (40 points), who won in Germany.

… the French round of the World Rally Championship returns to the Mediterranean island of Corsica after a seven-year absence? In recent years, Alsace has hosted the home rally of three-time world champion Sébastien Ogier (F/Volkswagen). This year’s event is officially called the “Tour de Corse Rallye de France”.

… the “Tour de Corse” formed part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 1973 to 2008? A such, this year’s rally on Corsica is a first for the WRC 2. The championship was held for the first time in 2010.

… the Rally Corsica was held for the first time in 1956 and this year takes place for the 58th time? Some years, competitors had to complete over 1,000 kilometres against the clock. This year, that figure is just over 330 kilometres, spread over nine special stages.

… the iconic event on Corsica is also known as the “Rally of 10,000 Corners”? The majority of the route is on narrow, winding mountain roads, with rock faces on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

… the rally is notorious for its many punctures? The majority is held on rough, coarse asphalt, with the drivers often cutting the corners. This puts extreme strain on the tyres.

… the “Tour de Corse” has been a happy stomping ground for ŠKODA Motorsport? In 2013, Jan Kopecký finished runner-up en route to winning the title in the FIA European Rally Championship. Esapekka Lappi secured victory in the European Championship here in 2014.

… the rally runs through all the regions of Corsica? The start and finish of the rally are located in Ajaccio, on the west coast. The overnight stop on Friday is in Bastia, in the north of the island. The crews then spend Saturday night in the southern town of Porto Vecchio. The service park is located in Corte, in the centre of the island.

… Corsica is the fourth-largest Mediterranean island and has a population of over 300,000? The highest mountain, Monte Cinto, is 2706 metres high.
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #126 poslato: 03. Okt, 2015. 20:12 »

WRC 2: Lappi in second place ahead of the final day of the Rally Corsica

​› Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm shine with a best time in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 on Saturday, move up a place and keep their hopes of winning alive
› Despite sunshine on the Mediterranean island, one of the special stages had to be cancelled
› Lappi:  “We drove taking controlled risks”

​Corte/France, 3 October 2015 – Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 head into the final day of the Rally Corsica in second place. The ŠKODA works duo shone in the two stages on Saturday with a best time in the sunshine, moved up a place in the WRC 2 classification and head into the final three special stages on Sunday with victory still possible. Just like at the start of the eleventh event of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) season, one of the three planned sections on day two had to be cancelled in the wake of a storm.

“We drove taking controlled risks again today. It is incredibly difficult to get used to the changing grip levels on the tracks. The aim now is to make it to the end of this challenging rally safely,” said Lappi. At least the sun was back in the sky on Saturday, after a storm on Friday resulted in road damage and landslides throughout the Mediterranean island. Despite the improved weather conditions, the “rally of 10,000 turns” was still a real challenge on day two due to alternating dry and wet sections on the rough asphalt.

However, Esapekka Lappi proved equal to all of these difficulties at the wheel of his ŠKODA Fabia R5. The 24-year-old got the best time on the morning's 36.43-kilometre special stage, which saw him move up a place to take P2 in the WRC 2 classification. On the 48.46-kilometre special stage, the longest of the Rally Corsica, the fast Finn defended this position in the afternoon. The 2014 European Champion heads into the final day trailing Frenchman Julien Maurin by just 19.0 seconds.

The second ŠKODA works team of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) also returned to the race on Saturday after the ŠKODA mechanics repaired the suspension damage late on Friday evening. The two Swedes were awarded a time penalty of ten minutes for not reaching the finish line on day one and are currently in twelfth place. “First and foremost, massive thanks to the magnificent ŠKODA crew, who fixed our rally car. We will use the remaining stages to try and make it into the top ten,” said Tidemand.

Three stages covering 94.91 kilometres are scheduled for Sunday. It will then be seen whether ŠKODA can continue its run of success in WRC 2. In all five of the WRC starts so far this year, at least one ŠKODA Fabia R5 has finished on the podium.

Number of the day for the Rally Corsica: 3

Former European Champion Armin Kremer (D) delivered another fantastic performance in a ŠKODA Fabia R5 from the customer racing area. The 46-year-old veteran and his co-driver Pirmin Winklhofer are in third place in the WRC 2 standings, directly behind ŠKODA works driver Esapekka Lappi, going into the final day. This means Kremer is in with a great chance of finishing on the podium.
 

Rally Corsica – WRC 2 Result

1. Maurin/Klinger (F/F), Ford Fiesta S2000: 1:46:30.1 hrs.
2. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 0:19.0 min.
3. Kremer/Winklhofer (D/D), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 1:28.3 min.
4. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN), Ford Fiesta R5: + 3:05.0 min.
5. Camilli/Veillas (F/F), Ford Fiesta R5: + 3:32.7 min.
12. Tidemand/Axelsson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5:+ 13:46.6 min.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/Date   
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally Corsica: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #127 poslato: 05. Okt, 2015. 11:01 »

Second place on Corsica: Lappi continues ŠKODA's run of success in the WRC 2

​› New ŠKODA Fabia R5 on the podium once again on its sixth start in WRC 2
› Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm move up into second place in the WRC 2 overall standings
› Michal Hrabánek: “The ŠKODA team and the Fabia R5 have also mastered this difficult challenge”

​Ajaccio/France, 4 October 2015 – The works duo Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) finished second at the Rally Corsica to continue ŠKODA's run of success in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). This means that the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 has made it onto the podium in all six of its WRC 2 starts this year. Lappi moved up two places in the overall standings of WRC 2 to take second place, keeping his hopes of the title alive. ŠKODA Motorsport also defended their top position in the team standings for WRC 2.

​“A storm and complicated track conditions: The Rally Corsica, which is demanding anyway, really was an even bigger challenge than usual this year. However, the ŠKODA team and the Fabia R5 also mastered this difficult challenge. Special praise goes to Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm, who kept a cool head in these conditions and truly deserved their spot on the podium,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

After seven special stages and well over 245 kilometres, Lappi trailed Frenchman Julien Maurin by just 20.9 seconds at the “rally of 10,000 turns”. After a thrilling duel lasting for the duration of the rally, it was not until the last stage of the final day that the winner was decided. “Of course we would have loved to win, but we are very pleased with second place. It was one of the most difficult rallies of my career, with the completely unpredictable conditions on the asphalt on day one in particular. Water, stones, mud – fortunately our ŠKODA Fabia R5 delivered another perfect performance,” said Lappi.

As it has at all six WRC 2 appearances this year since the official unveiling of the new rally car in mid April. After the top three positions in Portugal (Esapekka Lappi 2nd, Pontus Tidemand/S 3rd), Sardinia (Jan Kopecký/CZ 3rd), Poland (Lappi 1st, Tidemand 2nd), Finland (Lappi 1st, Tidemand 2nd) and Germany (Kopecký 1st), Lappi claimed the works team's ninth WRC 2 podium position in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 on Corsica. The “Flying Finn” is in second place in the WRC 2 overall standings going into the remaining two events of the season and trails front-runner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) by just nine points.

However, the great fighting spirit of the second ŠKODA works team of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) went unrewarded at the Rally Corsica. After a best time on the first special stage on Friday, the Swedish duo had a spate of bad luck and were forced to finish the “rally of 10,000 turns” early. “First suspension damage, followed by tyre damage and then coming off the track on Sunday – it really was a rally best forgotten for us. But we will learn from our mistakes,” said Tidemand.

The 24-year-old Swede recently clinched ŠKODA's fourth successive FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title. The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 also proved to be a sure-fire title winner in its first season. As well as its run of success in WRC 2, the car has already won three national championships. In the Czech championship, Jan Kopecký bagged the title before the end of the season after winning five events in a row. In Austria, veteran Raimund Baumschlager won the national championship in the Fabia R5. In Hungary, Norbert Herczig (H) was crowned national rally champion in the Fabia R5.


Number of the day for the Rally Corsica: 7

The Rally Corsica was won in just seven special stages this year. This is by far the fewest number of stages in the 13 events of the World Rally Championship this year. Nine special stages were originally planned for the Mediterranean island, however two of these had to be cancelled after a storm damaged the roads. In comparison: 23 special stages were on the itinerary for the WRC rally on Sardinia.


Rally Corsica – Final Result WRC 2

1. Maurin/Klinger (F/F), Ford Fiesta S2000: 2:46:11.3 hrs.
2. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 0:20.9 min.
3. Camilli/Veillas (F/F), Ford Fiesta R5: + 3:42.9 min.
4. Breen/Scott (IRL/GB), Peugeot 208 T16 R5: + 3:49.7 min.
5. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN), Ford Fiesta R5: + 4:26.9 min.


FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/Date   
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally Corsica: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #128 poslato: 24. Okt, 2015. 15:58 »

Perfect start: One-two-three lead for ŠKODA at the Rally Spain

​› ŠKODA Motorsport dominates the WRC 2 standings with its three Fabia R5 works cars on the first leg
› Tidemand/Axelsson lead, followed by Kopecký/Dresler and Lappi/Ferm
› A total of five ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the top eight› 197.45 classified kilometres on asphalt are on the itinerary for Saturday

​Salou/Spain, 23 October 2015 – ŠKODA Motorsport got off to a perfect start at the Rally Spain and heads into the final two days with a one-two-three lead. After the first nine of a total of 23 special stages around the seaside resort of Salou on the Costa Daurada, Asia-Pacific Champions Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) lead the WRC 2 standings. Directly behind the Swedish duo are Czech Rally Champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) in second place (+ 33.7 seconds). The Finns Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (+ 39.4) are in third place. The penultimate event of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) sees ŠKODA line up with three Fabia R5 works cars for the first time.

​The 51st edition of the Rally Spain has extra challenges in store for the competitors. After a spectator stage at the opening of the rally at the foot of Montjuïc, where the 1992 Summer Olympic Games were held, on Thursday evening, Friday saw the drivers take on 128.6 kilometres of special stages mainly on gravel. On top of that, there was no midday service break for the teams, during which a set of completely fresh tyres could have been put on. However, the 14 remaining special stages on Saturday and Sunday will be held on asphalt surfaces – a unique mix in the WRC calendar.

“Naturally we are very pleased with this interim result. At first I didn’t know how fast we would be, but our times were good,” said front-runner Pontus Tidemand. “I definitely want to make it to the finish in this rally and pick up points for ŠKODA Motorsport. But you have to really watch out on the rough gravel tracks since large stones that are best avoided lie in wait at every turn. But our pace notes are very good and the Fabia R5 is working perfectly. Long may it continue.”

Jan Kopecký was also happy with his day. “To be in second place after the first leg is more than I had expected going into the rally,” said the asphalt specialist, who is competing for ŠKODA Motorsport II in Spain. “There was a lot of dust in the air on the gravel stages, I couldn’t see much at all in places. But I don’t want to complain because it’s the same for everyone here. It’s part of rallying. However, I’m looking forward to the asphalt stages now.”

Esapekka Lappi rounded off ŠKODA's one-two-three lead on Friday evening. “Today wasn’t that easy for us,” said the current runner-up in the championship. “We made a few mistakes on the short stages in the morning, which meant we lost a bit of time. But the afternoon was much better since we looked after our tyres well. There is still a long way to go in the rally.”

Championship leader Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), who, like Armin Kremer (D), is competing in Spain in a Fabia R5 from ŠKODA’s customer racing programme, ended Friday’s action in fourth place (+ 1:43.8 minutes). In seventh place (+ 3:34.1 minutes), Kremer ensured that all five of the high-tech four-wheel drivers from Mladá Boleslav in action are in the top ten.


Number of the day: 75

15, 30, 45 and 10: These numbers usually set the pace for the team of mechanics in the WRC service park. At WRC events, the teams have 15 minutes at the start of a day of rallying to prepare their cars for the special stages that follow. Then during the midday service they have 30 minutes, and in the evening this is extended to 45 minutes for repairs and changing the tyres. However, after the final stage, the teams only have ten minutes, which they usually use to make their cars as clean and shiny as possible before sending them over the finish ramp. But this rhythm goes out the window at the Rally Spain. There was no midday service on Friday, instead, as an exception, the crews were allowed to work on their cars for up to 75 minutes in the evening, before they had to be taken to the Parc fermé. The reason being that the change from gravel to asphalt stages requires the cars to be converted from a rally car to a racing car as it were.


Rally Spain –WRC 2 Standings

1. Tidemand/Axelsson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5; 1h 28m 09.0s
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 33.7s
3. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN), ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 39.4s
4. Al-Attiyah/Baumel (Q/F), ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 1m 43.8s
5. Camilli/Veillas (F/F), Ford Fiesta R5; + 2m 10.1s

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/Date
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally Corsica: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #129 poslato: 25. Okt, 2015. 22:07 »
Rally Spain: ŠKODA claims one-two with Tidemand and Kopecký

​› Tidemand/Axelsson triumph in the penultimate WRC race of the year
› Second place for Kopecký/Dresler emphasises outstanding performance of ŠKODA Fabia R5 on gravel and asphalt
› Four ŠKODA Fabia R5s take the first four places in the WRC 2 standings

​Salou/Spain, 25 October 2015 – ŠKODA Motorsport celebrated a resounding one-two at the Rally Spain. ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) won the penultimate race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) in their Fabia R5, claiming their first WRC 2 race victory for the Czech car-maker. Their team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) finished runner-up to complete the one-two for ŠKODA.

​“Congratulations to Pontus and Emil on their first WRC 2 victory in the ŠKODA Fabia R5,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We are also delighted with the second place for Jan and Pavel. We are happy that this debut season for the new Fabia R5 has proven it to be a worthy replacement for the extremely successful Fabia Super 2000. The ŠKODA Fabia R5 won 17 of the 22 special stages here in Spain, which clearly goes to show how good our car is on gravel as well as on asphalt.”

“What a rally! It's my first WRC 2 win for ŠKODA and I could not be happier,” said Tidemand, who also won the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) for ŠKODA this season*. “When this rally started, my aim was simply to finish. I did not expect to be on top of the podium at all. However, our speed through the gravel stages on Friday was the key to our success. We tried to avoid taking unnecessary risks on the asphalt stages on Saturday and Sunday. This tactic paid off, even though Jan and Pavel made up some time on us. Thanks to everyone in the whole ŠKODA Motorsport team! I’m now looking forward to the APRC finale in China!”

Kopecký was also more than happy with the situation. “Before the rally, I was not sure whether we would be challenging for a podium finish,” said the Czech rally champion. “The ŠKODA Fabia R5 performed superbly on gravel as well as on asphalt, and the conversion to a race car set-up on Friday went very smoothly. The ŠKODA team can take the credit for that as their work was perfect. I am delighted to have played my part in a one-two for ŠKODA.”

The 51st Rally Spain was an enthralling spectacle, as all eight winners from the current WRC 2 season were battling it out. It featured 23 special stages and a total of 331.25 kilometres on asphalt and gravel – a first for the World Rally Championship – around the rally centre at Salou on the Costa Daurada. However, the final special stage in the WRC 2 class was not completed, due to an accident involving the VW duo Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F).

Tidemand was able to open up a commanding lead during Friday’s gravel stages. Second and third places were occupied at the end of day one by Kopecký, racing for the ŠKODA Motorsport II team in Spain, and the third ŠKODA works duo of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN). However, an accident on the eleventh special stage meant that Lappi, European champion in 2014, took no further part in the race and had to abandon his hopes of victory in the WRC 2 Drivers' Championship.

The WRC 2 drivers’ title was therefore clinched in Spain by Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q)*, who finished just ahead of Armin Kremer (D) in a fascinating battle for third place at the Rally Spain. The time difference between these two experienced drivers, who were both at the wheel of a Fabia R5 from the ŠKODA customer racing programme, was just 0.1 seconds.

Tidemand and Axelsson do not have much time to celebrate their victory. Directly after the Rally Spain, the Swedes are making the 10,000-kilometre journey to China for the finale of the APRC season on Friday. Even before the final race takes place, ŠKODA has been confirmed as champion in the overall APRC standings for the fourth consecutive year. The climax to the season in China will feature a special highlight: Tidemand/Axelsson will present the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 for the first time in the Middle Kingdom.

In its first season, the SKODA Fabia R5 has been a guarantee of success. Seven starts in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) have produced eleven podium finishes and four victories. In addition to this, the ŠKODA Fabia R5 has won four national titles. Jan Kopecký recorded five straight wins to claim the Czech championship. In Austria, the experience of Raimund Baumschlager (A) combined with the Fabia R5 to secure the national title. Norbert Herczig (H) became national rally champion in Hungary at the wheel of a Fabia R5. “Fast” Freddy Loix (B) also triumphed in his home championship in Belgium.

* subject to confirmation by FIA.


Number for the Rally Spain: 17

The Rally Spain is the only World Rally Championship race to take place on a mixture of asphalt and gravel stages. The first part on Friday started on gravel, with a small section of asphalt. On Friday evening, the cars were modified to prepare for two days of rallying on asphalt. The ŠKODA Fabia R5 once again proved its WRC 2 championship credentials under these challenging conditions. All eight gravel stages were won by ŠKODA works drivers, and the ŠKODA drivers also recorded nine further fastest times on asphalt. This resulted in a ŠKODA Fabia R5 winning 17 of the 22 special stages in Spain (Tidemand seven, Kopecký six, Lappi two, Al-Attiyah two).


Rally Spain –WRC 2 Final Standings

1. Tidemand/Axelsson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5: 3h 21m 45.6s
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 10.7s
3. Al-Attiyah/Baumel (Q/F), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 4m 5.3s
4. Kremer/Winklhofer (D/D), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 4m 5.4s
5. Protasov/Cherepin (UA/UA), Ford Fiesta RRC: + 7m 41.4s
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #130 poslato: 26. Okt, 2015. 15:43 »

ŠKODA celebrates title treble in core market of China

​› Grand finale to the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) from Friday to Sunday at the China Rally Longyou
› Champions Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson line up in the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 after their victory at Rally Spain
› ŠKODA already champions* in the Manufacturer, Driver and Co-Driver competitions
› Five wins from five races so far this season for the ŠKODA MRF Team

​Mladá Boleslav, 26 October 2015 – ŠKODA will celebrate a title treble in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) when it lines up in the core market of China. The grand finale at the China Rally Longyou from Friday to Sunday will be something of a triumphal procession for the Czech automobile manufacturer. Ahead of the final round of the season, ŠKODA has already secured its fourth successive Manufacturer title in the APRC*. Works driver Pontus Tidemand (S) and his navigator Emil Axelsson (S) are also guaranteed a title* in the Driver and Co-Driver championships. They were victorious at last weekend’s Rally Spain in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). The highlight of the season will also feature a first in China: Tidemand/Axelsson will present the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 for the first time in the Middle Kingdom.

​“China is the most important market in the world for ŠKODA. As such, we are particularly delighted to be able to show the tens of thousands of fans our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 live in action,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek, who went on to praise the performance of the ŠKODA MRF Team over the course of the APRC season so far. “It is an outstanding effort to have already wrapped up three titles before the final rally – and for the fourth time in a row. I would particularly like to congratulate Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson, who have proven to be the real deal in their first year with ŠKODA.”

In the five rounds of the APRC season so far, the ŠKODA works duo of Tidemand/Axelsson have claimed four victories in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Japan. They also finished runner-up at the Rally New Caledonia – but even here the ŠKODA MRF Team had cause for celebration, as victory went to the second crew of Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS). “We are happy to have won such an important title in our first year with ŠKODA – and at difficult rallies, which were completely new to us. That is definitely cause for celebration, but not until after the season finale: before then, we want to thrill our fans in China with the fantastic ŠKODA Fabia R5. We know this is a particularly important rally for the ŠKODA brand,” said Tidemand.

The 24-year-old Swede headed straight from the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) in Spain to China – almost 10,000 miles away. As well as the huge distance, Tidemand/Axelsson must also overcome a time difference of seven hours. The two ŠKODA duos of Tidemand/Axelsson and Gill/Macneall will face about 230 kilometres against the clock, spread over 13 special stages at the China Rally Longyou. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected for the first outing of the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 in China.

The four-wheel drive, turbo powerhouse has proven to be a natural born winner in its first season. In seven appearances in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), the Fabia R5 has claimed eleven podiums, including four wins. Furthermore, four national championships have already been won by drivers in the ŠKODA Fabia R5. In the Czech championship, Jan Kopecký (CZ) won five races in a row to wrap up the title with rallies to spare. In Austria, the experienced Raimund Baumschlager (A) won his national championship with the Fabia R5. Norbert Herczig (H) was crowned national rally champion in Hungary. “Fast” Freddy Loix (B) also triumphed in his home championship in Belgium.

*Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA.


Did you know …

… Pontus Tidemand’s (S) latest success was ŠKODA’s fourth Drivers’ Championship title in a row in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)? The winning run began in 2012 with victory for Australian Chris Atkinson. In 2013, the title went to India’s Gaurav Gill, before Jan Kopecký (CZ) last year became the first driver ever to be crowned European champion and Asia-Pacific champion in successive seasons.

… China is the most important market in the world for ŠKODA? Despite the difficult market environment, 23,800 cars were delivered in September 2015. That is over a quarter of the Czech automobile manufacturer’s total worldwide sales.

… China has a population of about 1.38 billion? This makes it the most highly populated country on the planet, with about 18.8 per cent of the global population.

… China has been part of the APRC since 1997? The China Rally Longyou, in the Zhejiang province, has hosted the race since 2006. The Longyou district dates back over 2000 years and is located about 400 kilometres from the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

… some sections of the “China Rally Longyou” head through bamboo forests? The route is a mixture of concrete and gravel sections, making it a real challenge for the set-up of the rally cars. The majority of the special stages are the same as in 2014. The only unfamiliar terrain comes on the 25.20-kilometre Dajie stage, which is the longest on the rally.

… ŠKODA has won the China Rally Longyou for the last two years? Esapekka Lappi (FIN) triumphed in 2013, while Jan Kopecký (CZ) was victorious en route to winning the title last year. The record winner is Australian Cody Crocker, with four wins in a row between 2006 and 2009.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #131 poslato: 04. Dec, 2015. 10:18 »
New co-driver for ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand

› Jonas Andersson is the new navigator at the side of the APRC champion
› Andersson most recently racked up successes in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with Mads Østberg
› Michal Hrabánek: “A great addition to the ŠKODA Motorsport racing family”

Mladá Boleslav, 4 December 2015 – Asia-Pacific champion Pontus Tidemand (S) will tackle the next rally season for ŠKODA with a new co-driver by his side. The works driver Tidemand will be joined by Jonas Andersson of Sweden as his well-known navigator. Andersson is considered to be one of the most experienced co-drivers in the world and scored many successes with Mads Østberg (N) in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in recent years.

“Jonas Andersson is a great addition to the ŠKODA Motorsport racing family. A man with his level of experience can only have a positive influence on the development of Pontus Tidemand, who had such a successful first year with us,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. Tidemand, who will turn 25 next week, made it onto the podium in ten of his eleven starts in two international championships in his debut season for ŠKODA. He made it into the top three of the WRC 2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship on four occasions. The climax was his victory at Rally Spain.

In the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), Tidemand took the top spot five times and came second once, thereby comfortably clinching the fourth title in succession for ŠKODA. Tidemand and his former co-driver Emil Axelsson (S) will be officially crowned champions at the FIA gala in Paris on Friday. Axelsson plans to now rise to new challenges. “Emil and I had a great year together. His skills and his character were important factors in our shared success. I’m therefore sad to see our partnership come to an end and I wish Emil all the best for the future! On the other hand, I am thrilled that Jonas will be taking his place, as he has such a wealth of experience. I’m really looking forward to working with him,” says Tidemand.

Jonas Andersson is a familiar face in the world of rallying. He began his career as co-driver to Per-Gunnar ‘P-G’ Andersson (S) in 2002. That same year, the duo won the Norwegian Championship, then followed this up with a win in the Swedish Championship a year later. Other highlights include two title wins in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). At the end of this partnership in 2009, Andersson became Mads Østberg’s co-driver, and has racked up some spectacular successes since then. In the ultimate discipline of the WRC, Andersson played his part in no less than 14 podium finishes, including victory at Rally Portugal in 2012.

“I was looking for some new challenges. So when a position alongside Pontus became available, it was obviously the perfect opportunity for me. I can hardly wait to get into the ŠKODA Fabia R5 and get down to work with Pontus. I’ve known him for many years, and that’s a major advantage when it comes to making things work as a team quickly. We are definitely aiming for the top,” says Andersson.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #132 poslato: 05. Dec, 2015. 12:15 »
International Automobile Federation FIA Honours ŠKODA’s APRC Champions

​› Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson honoured at the FIA gala in Paris
› ŠKODA claims fourth consecutive title triple in the renowned continental championship

​Paris, 5 December 2015 – During the International Automobile Federation’s motorsport gala, Pontus Tidemand (S) and Emil Axelsson (S) were crowned official champions of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). ŠKODA received the awards for the driver and manufacturer championship in the prestigious continental championship for the fourth consecutive year at the official FIA prize-giving ceremony for the 2015 motorsport season in Paris. Works driver Tidemand had led the championship with five victories and a second-place finish while wrapping up the season with an acclaimed victory with the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the key market of China.

​“Taking the fourth title in a row in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, four wins in the World Rally Championship WRC 2 and five national titles are terrific results for the first year with the ŠKODA Fabia R5. This is also a great honour for each and every employee in the ŠKODA Motorsport racing family who again did a great job during this year’s rally season,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #133 poslato: 08. Jan, 2016. 13:20 »
ŠKODA kicks off the 2016 motorsport year with the WRC 2 event in Sweden

​› Works drivers Pontus Tidemand (S), Jan Kopecký (CZ) and Esapekka Lappi (FIN) line up for ŠKODA again in 2016
› Co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) strengthens the ŠKODA Motorsport family
› Hrabánek: “We want to exceed last year’s success”

​Mladá Boleslav, 8 January 2016 – ŠKODA kicks off the 2016 motorsport year with the WRC 2 rally in Sweden (11th to 14th February). Like last season, the three works drivers Pontus Tidemand (S), Jan Kopecký (CZ) and Esapekka Lappi (FIN) will set their sights on winning titles for ŠKODA in the Fabia R5 rally car. New to the ŠKODA team is experienced co-driver Jonas Andersson (S), who is charged with guiding Asia-Pacific champion Tidemand to more success. The ŠKODA Motorsport team is particularly focussed on its appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). The experienced Kopecký also lines up in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR), where he will be hungry to repeat last year’s triumph.

​“We had an extremely successful first year with our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 in 2015. The fourth title in a row in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, four wins in the WRC 2 class of the World Rally Championship and five national titles exceeded our expectations,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “It goes without saying that we continued to work hard through the winter break with the ŠKODA team, and are looking forward to an eventful year of rallying with our fast and reliable Fabia R5 in 2016. Our goal is to exceed last year’s success in the WRC 2 with our three impressive drivers, Pontus Tidemand, Jan Kopecký and Esapekka Lappi. We would like to welcome Jonas Andersson to our ŠKODA racing family.”

Andersson is one of the most experienced co-drivers in the world and has enjoyed great success in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in recent years. He will make his competitive debut alongside Swedish ŠKODA driver Tidemand at their home rally in Sweden. “We have already done a lot of testing together and can hardly wait to finally get started,” said Tidemand. Andersson has a clear goal for his first start in the ŠKODA works team: “We really want to be among the front-runners!”

Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) line up as the second ŠKODA works duo at the second round of the WRC 2 season in the Swedish snow. Last year, the 2014 European champion contributed two WRC 2 victories to the ŠKODA Motorsport team’s impressive record, ending the season third overall in WRC 2. This year, the goal is to surpass last season’s excellent effort. Lappi: “We still have room for improvement. We obviously want to challenge for the WRC 2 title.”

Jan Kopecký und Pavel Dresler also have title ambitions. The all-Czech duo won the title in the Czech Rally Championship with a flawless record of five wins from five starts in 2015 and would love to repeat this remarkable success in 2016. Like the other ŠKODA Motorsport pairings, Kopecký and Dresler will also be in action at a number of rounds of the WRC 2 championship, in which he won one rally last year. “We are looking forward to the challenges we will face in WRC 2 and the MČR this year,” said Kopecký. “We have the perfect tool at our disposal, in the form of the ŠKODA Fabia R5. The goal is to tease even more out of the car in 2016.”

As in 2015, the high-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouse will this year sport the imposing green, black and white ŠKODA Motorsport livery, which thrilled fans around the world last year. “We promise our fans that we will do everything in our power to continue ŠKODA Motorsport’s successful run in 2016,” said ŠKODA Motorsport director Hrabánek.
  • Vozi: OctaviA5 1.9TDI 2008 Elegance+

Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #134 poslato: 10. Feb, 2016. 00:22 »

ŠKODA Motorsport returns to Sweden in the World Rally Championship after 11-year absence

​› ŠKODA works drivers Pontus Tidemand (S) and Esapekka Lappi (FIN) start at the only real winter rally in the World Championship
› Thawing in Värmland causes rally route to be shortened
› ŠKODA debut for co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) at his home rally
› Michal Hrabánek: “We have set ourselves ambitious targets for the new season”

​Mladá Boleslav, 9 February 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport is celebrating a return to the Rally Sweden after an 11-year absence. The successful team, led by works drivers Pontus Tidemand (S) and Esapekka Lappi (FIN), will launch its assault on the title in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) on ice and snow from 12 to 14 February. Jonas Andersson (S) also makes his debut for ŠKODA at this iconic event in the far north. The experienced co-driver will be navigating for Asia-Pacific champion Pontus Tidemand for the first time, at their home rally.

​“The whole team at ŠKODA Motorsport is really looking forward to our first rally of 2016,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We have set ourselves ambitious targets for the new motorsport season and are hoping for a successful start,” he added. “We must gain race experience on ice and snow with our new ŠKODA Fabia R5. Don’t forget that this is the first time since 2005 that we are competing in Sweden.”

Back then, Jani Paasonen (FIN) and DTM champion Mattias Ekström (S) drove the ŠKODA Fabia WRC to ninth and tenth place respectively in the WRC category. The current ŠKODA works drivers are aiming for a podium finish in WRC 2. To achieve that goal, they will need nerves of steel. Despite the use of sharp studs on the tyres, the only real winter rally is a slippery affair, taking place on icy surfaces and roads lined with walls of snow. However, it is questionable just how wintery and icy the roads in the west of Sweden and east of Norway will actually be: warm temperatures caused thawing last weekend, forcing the organisers to make a decision on Monday to reduce the rally from 21 to 13 special stages. Among the stages to be cancelled is the spectator stage in Karlstad, which was set to open the rally on Thursday evening. For this reason, the rally will start on Friday morning with the Torsby special stage. The highlight of the Rally Sweden is the Vargåsen stage, with the legendary Colin’s Crest jump

“Rally Sweden is my home rally and is therefore a real highlight for me,” said Pontus Tidemand. “I’m looking forward to the first rally with my new co-driver Jonas Andersson and hope to benefit from his experience, so that we can give a good account of ourselves at our home event.” This is already the fifth time that the 25-year-old has lined up at his home rally in the World Championship. His best finish so far came last year, with fifth place in WRC 2. Tideland’s new co-driver Jonas Andersson has already celebrated two WRC podium finishes at his home event. “That is what we are aiming for this time too. We want to get on the podium in WRC 2,” said Andersson.

Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) start with similar ambitions. After finishing third overall in WRC 2 in 2015, the goal is to surpass that performance in the new season. Lappi gained valuable experience of driving on snow and ice in a privately entered ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo in January of this year. “I hope that we can benefit from that. Our primary goal is to finish the rally and gain as many points as possible in the overall WRC 2 standings,” said Lappi. The ŠKODA works drivers will be up against strong opposition, including Elfyn Evans. The British driver heads the WRC 2 standings after his victory at the Rally Monte Carlo.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Event/Date   
Rally Monte Carlo; 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden; 12.02.–14.02.2016
Rally Mexico; 03.03.–06.03.2016
Rally Argentina; 21.04.–24.04.2016
Rally Portugal; 19.05.–22.05.2016
Rally Italy; 09.06.–12.06.2016
Rally Poland; 01.07.–03.07.2016
Rally Finland; 28.07.–31.07.2016
Rally Germany; 18.08.–21.08.2016
Rally China; 08.09.–11.09.2016
Rally Corsica; 29.09.–02.10.2016
Rally Spain; 13.10.–16.10.2016
Rally Great Britain; 27.10.–30.10.2016
Rally Australia; 17.11.–20.11.2016

Did you know that …

… a total of eight ŠKODA cars are on the list of starters at the Rally Sweden? In addition to works drivers Esapekka Lappi (FIN) and Pontus Tidemand (S), Hubert Ptaszek (PL), Ole Christian Veiby (N) and Teemu Suninen (FIN) are also scheduled to start in the new ŠKODA Fabia R5. Swedes Johan Kristoffersen and Glenn Ström are competing in the older ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Norwegian Henrik Elvestad is driving a ŠKODA Fabia R2.
… Rally Sweden was originally a summer event? When first held in 1950, it was called the “Rally to the Midnight Sun”. The rally has only been taking place regularly in winter since 1965. Since the introduction of the World Championship in 1973, the rally has almost always featured on the calendar. The only exceptions: in 1994 the race was part of the FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup, and it did not take place at all in 1974 and 2009.
… spiked snow tyres are used on the icy tracks in Sweden? Every tyre is fitted with 380 steel nails, which are 20 millimetres long and weigh four grams each.
… snow shovels must be carried in every rally car? They are on board just in case a car leaves the road and needs to be dug out of the snow.
… the service park is located centrally this time, on the harbour at Karlstad? In previous years, the heart of the rally was located further north in Hagfors.
… the highlight of the rally on Saturday will come during the Vargåsen stage? The famous Colin’s Crest jump is named after rally legend Colin McRae (GB). The record for the longest jump was set in 2015, when Thierry Neuville (B) managed 44 metres.
… the rally centre of Karlstad derives its name from King Charles IX? The monarch granted the city charter in 1584. Today, Karlstad has more than 60,000 inhabitants and is a university town.
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