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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #180 poslato: 04. Jan, 2017. 01:17 »
High-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouse in great demand: ŠKODA delivers 100th FABIA R5

​› Car number 100 delivered to Erik Wevers’ team
› Successful on virtually every continent: world title, three continental and ten national titles in 2016
› Michal Hrabánek: “Another milestone for the successful ŠKODA FABIA R5”

​Mladá Boleslav, 3 January 2017 – The 100th ŠKODA FABIA R5 has been delivered to a customer from the Netherlands. Erik Wevers’ team travelled to Mladá Boleslav to collect the car. The handover marked another milestone for the successful ŠKODA FABIA R5. In 2016, the high-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouse from the Czech Republic was instrumental in the winning of titles in the FIA World Rally championship (WRC 2), three continental championships and ten national series.

“Delivering the 100th ŠKODA FABIA R5 to one of our many customers in 2016 is another milestone for this successful car,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “This shows just how sought-after our latest rally car is all over the world, and confirms what a good job our Customer Racing department is doing. After all, the ŠKODA FABIA R5 has only been around for about a year and a half.” Hrabánek sees the sale of 100 ŠKODA FABIA R5s as evidence that the success of the works teams, which included the first world championship title in 2016, is the best possible advertising for the turbo-powered speedster: “Our works team and the Customer Racing department can benefit from each other, allowing us to consistently further develop the ŠKODA FABIA R5.”

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was successfully homologated by motorsport’s governing body, the International Automobile Federation FIA, at the start of April 2015. This gave the car the green light to compete on the rally stages of this world. The top rally car in its class is pure high-tech. In accordance with FIA regulations, the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine. This is a major difference to the two-litre induction engine in the car’s predecessor, the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. The ŠKODA Motorsport team invested roughly 15 months of intense development work in fine-tuning the ultra-modern components and optimising the interplay between the individual parts.

The Customer Racing department at ŠKODA Motorsport not only sells cars, but also offers comprehensive support. Any customer who buys the ŠKODA FABIA R5, the basic version of which retails at 180,000 Euro, can count on technical support from ŠKODA and on the availability and supply of original parts. “Customers all over the world are racing with our ŠKODA FABIA R5 – whether in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe or South America,” said Šárka Králová, Head of ŠKODA Customer Racing. “And the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is enjoying great success everywhere, regardless of whether in searing heat or on snow and ice. Our order books, which are full again for 2017, show how happy our customers are,” Králová added.

The success enjoyed with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 speaks for itself. In the WRC 2 class of the FIA World Rally Championship, the ŠKODA works duo of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) won the title for the first time. Privateers Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN) finished runner-up in the overall standings – also in a ŠKODA FABIA R5.

ŠKODA customer cars were also the dominant force in three prestigious continental and regional championships in 2016. Gustavo Saba (PY), at the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5, won the FIA Codasur South American Rally Championship. Gaurav Gill (IND) completed a clean sweep of six wins from six races to present ŠKODA with its fifth title in a row in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) was also crowned champion in the Middle East with the ŠKODA FABIA R5.

Second place in the APRC went to Fabian Kreim (D), who also won the German Rally Championship – one of ten national championships to go the way of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in 2016. In the Czech Rally Championship (MČR), the ŠKODA works duo of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) won the title for the second year in a row. They are undefeated in ten starts since the ŠKODA FABIA R5 made its debut. In Belgium, ŠKODA legend “Fast” Freddy Loix was victorious in the national championship for the fourth time in a row, and subsequently announced his retirement from rallying. The title won by Kalle Rovanperä was another remarkable achievement: at just 16 years of age, he became the youngest rally champion in Latvian history.

A further six drivers were crowned national champions in the ŠKODA FABIA R5: Norbert Herczig (Hungary), Pavel Valoušek (Slovakia), Esben Hegelund (Denmark), Desi Henry (Ireland/National Forest Championship), Sylvain Michel (France/asphalt), and Gustavo Saba (Paraguay). The goal is to continue this winning run in 2017, when over 100 Fabia R5s will battle for the titles in the world championship, continental championships and national championships
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #181 poslato: 18. Jan, 2017. 11:47 »

ŠKODA marks 40th anniversary of legendary win at the Rally Monte Carlo

​› ŠKODA FABIA R5 to sport livery from winning ŠKODA 130 RS from 1977
› Works team consists of three drivers at start of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2): Andreas Mikkelsen, Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký
› Tidemand drives for the works team in the WRC 2 in 2017, while the second works driver, Jan Kopecký, goes in hunt of a hat-trick of titles in the Czech Rally Championship
› Michal Hrabánek: “The awareness of the brand’s outstanding motor racing history is the driving force behind our current motorsport activities”

​Mladá Boleslav, 16 January 2017 – When ŠKODA Motorsport lines up at this season’s Rally Monte Carlo, it will remember the brand’s legendary triumph at the same race 40 years ago. The works team’s ŠKODA FABIA R5s will feature the same blue and red stripes as sported by the winning car from 1977 when it launches its title campaign at the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). Four decades ago, Václav Blahna (CZ) and his co-driver Lubislav Hlávka (CZ) won the class for cars with up to 1,300 cc with their ŠKODA 130 RS. This shock success is one of the milestones in ŠKODA’s 116-year motorsport history, the crowning moment of which came in the form of the world championship title in 2016.

​“ŠKODA is proud of its magnificent tradition in motorsport, and of such iconic racing cars as the ŠKODA 130 RS,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “For this reason, we are remembering the success of 40 years ago at the Rally Monte Carlo with a special livery for our ŠKODA FABIA R5. The awareness of the brand’s outstanding motor racing history is the driving force behind our current motorsport activities. As well as our works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký, Andreas Mikkelsen will also drive the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Rally Monte Carlo,” Hrabánek continued.

Experienced WRC driver Mikkelsen (N) will make a guest appearance for the ŠKODA works team. In doing so, he returns to his roots. The 27-year-old Norwegian began his rise to the top with titles in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012. Back then, he was victorious in a ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. Mikkelsen and co-driver Anders Jæger (N) familiarised themselves with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the first tests on snow last December.

ŠKODA Motorsport will once again put its faith in its two works drivers, Kopecký (CZ) and Tidemand (S), in 2017. As well as at the Rally Monte Carlo, the rapid Swede and his co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) will also go in pursuit of points at the second round of the world championship, which takes place in his native Sweden (9 to 12 February). Tidemand/Andersson have their sights set on succeeding Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN), who, at the wheel of the ŠKODA FABIA R5, won the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ title in the WRC 2 class of the world championship for the manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav for the first time in 2016.

As well as a number of starts in WRC 2, Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler will primarily be competing in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) in 2017. They remain unbeaten in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the Czech Republic, having won ten out of ten races in the last two years, and are out to complete a hat-trick of titles in 2017.

With the world championship title, three continental titles, and ten national titles in the FABIA R5, ŠKODA enjoyed one of its best years on the rally routes of this world in 2016. Hopes are high that the Rally Monte Carlo will mark the start of an equally successful 2017.

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event / Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #182 poslato: 21. Jan, 2017. 17:35 »

Mikkelsen dominates opening day of an icy Rally Monte Carlo in the ŠKODA FABIA R5

​› Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger impress on guest appearance in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 and take a lead of 2:47.4 minutes over team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler into the final two days of the rally
› 40 years after historic triumph: spectators enjoy special livery on the works team’s three FABIA R5s
› Mikkelsen: “I am very happy with the ŠKODA FABIA R5!”

​Gap/France, 20 January 2017 – Andreas Mikkelsen (N) dominated the early stages of the 85th Rally Monte Carlo on his guest appearance with the ŠKODA Motorsport works team. A lot of snow and ice are making the opening round of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) far from easy, but Mikkelsen and his co-driver Anders Jæger (N) passed every test with flying colours in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. The successful duo lead the WRC 2 class and head into the final two days of the most famous and oldest rally in the world with a lead of 2:47.4 minutes over ŠKODA team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ).

​“I am very happy with the ŠKODA FABIA R5! It goes without saying that it was a big adjustment at first, but we started cautiously and then gradually upped the tempo. We now feel right at home in the car, although they were really extremely difficult conditions,” said Mikkelsen. The 27-year-old Norwegian was part of the Volkswagen Motorsport team that won the World Rally Championship in each of the past four years. However, Mikkelsen’s route to becoming one of the top rally drivers in the world started with titles in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012 with ŠKODA.

Returning to his roots, the fan favourite won his first special stage in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 shortly after the official start in glamorous Monte Carlo on Thursday. On Friday, ŠKODA works driver Kopecký was the fastest man at first, but Mikkelsen then upped the pace on the narrow, winding roads. The Norwegian was a full 46.5 seconds faster than second-placed Frenchman Bryan Bouffier the first time the drivers tackled “Aspres les Corps – Chaillol” – at 38.94 kilometres the longest stage on the Monte. Mikkelsen has won six of the seven special stages so far. Jan Kopecký lost a lot of time due to a puncture on Friday morning, but fought his way back to end the opening day in second place in WRC 2.

“I hope we can defend this position. There is still a long way to go, and we will continue to fight hard,” said Czech champion Kopecký. ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S), who are not eligible to score world championship points at this rally, also impressed. Tidemand showed his potential with a number of top-three times on his first outing at the Monte. His goal is to present ŠKODA Motorsport with another world championship title this year. In 2016, the works team from Mladá Boleslav won the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship in WRC 2 for the first time, courtesy of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) in the ŠKODA FABIA R5.

The thousands of fans lining the route were treated to a special livery on the works team’s three ŠKODA FABIA R5s. The blue and red stripes on the rally cars are a nod to the manufacturer’s legendary victory at this very event 40 years ago. Four decades ago, Václav Blahna (CZ) and his co-driver Lubislav Hlávka (CZ) triumphed in the 1,300 cc class in their ŠKODA 130 RS. The works team is now well on track to repeat this feat in 2017. However, they have yet to complete half of the kilometres against the clock: another 175 kilometres await Mikkelsen and Co. on Saturday and Sunday.


Standings at the Rally Monte Carlo (WRC 2):

1. Mikkelsen/Jæger (N/N); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 2:11:15.4 hrs
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 2:47.4 min
3. Bouffier/Giraudet (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 4:55.0 min
4. Camilli/Veillas (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 7:44.6 min
5. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/B); Ford Fiesta R5; + 7:58.5 min


Number of the day: 1574

Friday’s special stages at the Rally Monte Carlo saw the competitors climb to 1574 metres above sea level in the French Alps. The highest point of the day came on the Col de Moissière. However, this is set to be topped by the iconic Col de Turini pass (1607 metres) on Sunday. This year, particularly large quantities of snow and ice on the winding roads are making life difficult for the drivers.


2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/ Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #183 poslato: 22. Jan, 2017. 22:04 »

Triumph at the “Monte”: Mikkelsen sets milestone in ŠKODA success story

​› Despite ice and snow: In their first start in the ŠKODA FABIA R5, Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger win the most famous race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› A team triumph: Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler complete the one-two victory for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2 at the 85th Rally Monte Carlo - convincing performance with top times from Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson
› Perfect anniversary: 40 years after the ŠKODA 130 RS won in the same location
› Michal Hrabánek: “One of the high points in our 116 years of motorsport history”

​Monte Carlo, 22 January 2017 – A day of celebration in the Principality of Monaco: Andreas Mikkelsen has set a milestone in the ŠKODA Motorsport success story. Starting in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 for the first time, the Norwegian rally star triumphed with navigator Anders Jæger (N) in the WRC 2 standings at the 85th Rally Monte Carlo. Team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) completed the one-two victory for ŠKODA at the oldest and most prestigious race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). 40 years previously, Václav Blahna (CZ) and his co-driver Lubislav Hlávka (CZ) had driven the ŠKODA 130 RS to victory in the 1,300cc class at the same location.

“This one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo is one of the high points in our 116 years of motorsport history. The ‘Monte’ is the most famous rally in the world and it is really special to win here. Respect to Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger, who showed their class and outstanding speed under the most difficult of conditions,” commented Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director praised the performance of the whole team: “The whole team did an outstanding job, from the mechanics and engineers to our two works duos with Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, as well as Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson. Of course, this is the best possible start to the new rally year 2017.”

And it was the perfect way to celebrate ŠKODA’s triumph at the “Monte” four decades ago. The three FABIA R5s of the works teams commemorated the 1977 success with a special blue and red striped livery. The thousands of fans loved the spectacular new look but were also delighted by the performance of the turbo 4x4 from ŠKODA. As it had been throughout the rally year 2016, the FABIA R5 was the best car in its class. Under extremely difficult conditions - icy stretches were interspersed with soft snow and clean asphalt on the Alpine switchbacks - ŠKODA driver Andreas Mikkelsen moved straight into the lead with the best time on the first timed special stage on Thursday. The 27-year-old Norwegian extended his lead with outstanding best times and was able to celebrate a dominant win on Sunday after 350 kilometres. Mikkelsen/ Jæger claimed victory 3:25.4 minutes ahead of their team-mates Kopecký/Dresler.

“ŠKODA opened the door to the big rally world for me and it is a special feeling for me to return with this triumph. Thanks to the whole team. I am happy to give ŠKODA this success at the legendary ‘Monte’. The ŠKODA FABIA R5 is a good rally car and I am satisfied with our performance,” commented Mikkelsen, who also successfully completed the legendary climb on the Col de Turini on Sunday, in heavy snowfall at over 1600 metres. He secured four team world championship titles with Volkswagen Motorsport, having already won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2011 and 2012. He has now recorded his first class win in the FABIA R5 at the Rally Monte Carlo, celebrating at the awards ceremony on the “Place du Palais Princier”.

Jan Kopecký was almost as delighted: “It is great for ŠKODA to head home with a one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo.” The other ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand (S) was not competing for WRC 2 points at his first “Monte” but he and co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) emphasised their ability by finishing eleventh in the overall standings. Tidemand/Andersson will be battling for WRC 2 points at their home World Championship rally in Sweden from 9th to 12th February: “It is no secret that we want to challenge for the WRC 2 title.” Last year, the ŠKODA Motorsport works team of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) won the WRC 2 title in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ competitions for the first time. The rally year 2017 has begun with another historic triumph.

Final standings at the Rally Monte Carlo (WRC 2):
1. Mikkelsen/Jæger (N/N); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 2:11:15,4 hrs
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 3:25,4 min
3. Bouffier/Giraudet (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 6:36,7 min
4. Camilli/Veillas (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 9:55,8 min
5. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/B); Ford Fiesta R5; + 11:36,8 min

The number of the Rally Monte Carlo: 13

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the outstanding car in its class at the Rally Monte Carlo. The turbo 4x4 from the Czech Republic recorded the best time on 13 out of 15 timed special stages in the WRC 2 standings. Ten of these best times were driven by Andreas Mikkelsen, while team-mate Jan Kopecký was fastest on three occasions.

2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Event/ Date
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland;27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #184 poslato: 12. Feb, 2017. 19:15 »
Rally Sweden: Tidemand takes acclaimed home win in the ŠKODA FABIA R5

​› A dream come true for ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson with the dominant victory
› Twelfth win from the last 13 rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) for the ŠKODA FABIA R5
› Michal Hrabánek: “Really impressive display from Pontus and Jonas in front of their home crowd”

​Torsby/Sweden, 12 February 2017 – ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand (S) thrilled thousands of his compatriots in taking an acclaimed home victory in WRC 2 at the Rally Sweden. Having missed out on victory by a whisker last year, the 26-year-old and co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) dominated this time out at the only all-snow and ice rally on the WRC calendar. The ŠKODA FABIA R5’s dominance, which began last season, has now seen the car win 12 of the last 13 races in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

“I am proud of the whole team at ŠKODA Motorsport! Having opened the season with a one-two at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, we have now produced another perfect display in difficult conditions at the Rally Sweden,” said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director reserved special praise for his driving duo: “This year’s Rally Sweden was one of the fastest rallies on snow and ice in the history of the world championship. However, Pontus and Jonas were equal to all the challenges and produced a really impressive display in front of their home crowd.”

After a cautious start, the Swedish duo took the lead for the first time on stage four. They then gradually extended their lead. Whether on the night stage around the service park in Torsby, or the famous Vargåsen stage with the “Colin’s Crest” jump, Tidemand was in a class of his own in front of the thousands of fans that lined the 300 kilometres of special stage. He also showed great composure, driving on the safe side on Sunday’s final three stages to ensure he completed the win without any major complications.

Pontus Tidemand was the fastest man on ten of the 17 special stages in his ŠKODA FABIA R5 and won the Rally Sweden with a 51.8-second advantage over Finland’s Teemu Suninen. Third place went to Ole Christian Veiby (N) who put in another impressive performance in a private ŠKODA FABIA R5. “Fantastic. That is the highlight of my career so far. My first home win at the Rally Sweden in WRC 2 is a dream come true. Last year we narrowly missed out on victory by just 14.7 seconds, but that has only made this success all the sweeter,” said Tidemand.

For Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year, this was the third WRC 2 victory in the ŠKODA FABIA R5, following wins in Spain (2015) and Portugal (2016). And there is no sign of it being his last victory this year. “Our goal is to win the WRC 2 title. We have made the perfect start,” said Tidemand. Tidemand now tops the overall WRC 2 standings with 25 points, alongside Andreas Mikkelsen. The Norwegian won the opening round of the WRC in Monte Carlo for the ŠKODA Motorsport works team, finishing ahead of his team-mate Jan Kopecký (CZ).

The successful start to the 2017 rally year has seen the ŠKODA FABIA R5 enhance its reputation as the top car in WRC 2. The high-tech, four-wheel drive car from the Czech Republic has now won 12 of the last 13 races. The next challenge awaits in the form of the Rally Mexico, from 9 to 12 March, when Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson will hope to prove their title credentials in the heat and on gravel, rather than in the cold and on ice.

Final result of the Rally Sweden (WRC 2):

1. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S);   ŠKODA FABIA R5;   2:45:14.7 hrs
2. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN); Ford Fiesta R5; + 0:51.8 min
3. Veiby/Skjærmoen (N/N); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1:07.4 min
4. Camilli/Veillas (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 3:12.4 min
5. Greensmith/Parry (GB/GB); Ford Fiesta R5; + 5:10.8 min

Number for the Rally Sweden: 13

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the outstanding car in its class on the snow and ice at the Rally Sweden. The turbo-powered car from the Czech Republic won 13 of the 17 special stages. Works driver Pontus Tidemand was the fastest man on ten occasions, while talented youngster Ole Christian Veiby won three stages.

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) Event/ Date

Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #185 poslato: 12. Mar, 2017. 23:30 »

Tidemand wins dramatic duel in Mexico to continue ŠKODA’s winning run

​› ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson win by 42.7 seconds after 295 kilometres of special stage to take the outright lead in the overall WRC 2 standings
› ŠKODA FABIA R5 proves its credentials at the ultimate test in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› 13 wins from the last 14 WRC rallies for the ŠKODA FABIA R5
› Michal Hrabánek: “Proud of my drivers and the entire team”

​León/Mexico, 12 March 2017 – Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) emerged triumphant from a dramatic duel to win the Rally Mexico and continue ŠKODA’s winning run in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). At the end of the 295 kilometres of special stage, the new world championship leader finished 42.7 seconds clear of rivals Eric Camilli/Benjamin Veillas (F/F). Starting last season, 13 of the last 14 rounds of the world championship have now been won by drivers in a ŠKODA FABIA R5.

​“I am proud of my drivers and the entire team. This rally was not for the faint-hearted, but Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson kept a cool head to clinch a hugely important win,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. The latest success was more proof of just how fast and reliable the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is: “The Rally Mexico was really the ultimate test of durability. From the asphalt roads in the capital, the route climbed on gravel routes to almost 2750 metres above sea level and the highest point in the World Rally Championship. Our rally car ran perfectly in all conditions.”

26-year-old ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand put on a great show for the Mexican rally fans. Over the course of the four days, he was embroiled in a thrilling battle for the win with Eric Camilli, with the lead changing hands on several occasions. After Tidemand had ended the opening two days at the top of the standings, Camilli briefly took the lead on Saturday. However, Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year 2016, who had taken his foot off the gas a little on the tough gravel roads, bounced back in style. Three stage wins in a row in the “Autódromo de León” and on the roads around the service park in the city of León were enough to see him regain top spot in WRC 2.

idemand took a slender lead of 2.0 seconds into the final two stages, and pulled out all the stops. The Swede was 22.5 seconds quicker than Camilli on the 32.96-kilometre “La Calera”, clocking an outstanding time to all but wrap up the win. Tidemand followed this up with another fastest time to bring home the win in style on the closing Power Stage, which was broadcast live on TV.

“That was a fantastic battle and a fantastic rally. We gained an incredible amount of experience at our first Rally Mexico. We are delighted with this success and are pleased with the great start we’ve made to the season,” said Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year. Victory in Mexico sees Tidemand succeed Finland’s Teemu Suninen, who won last year – also at the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5. Local favourite Benito Guerra rounded off an outstanding result for ŠKODA in Mexico with third place in his FABIA R5.

This was Tidemand’s second victory in a row, having previously won his home rally in Sweden. He now stands alone at the top of the WRC 2 standings. With a perfect score of 50 points from two starts, he leads Camilli (42) and Andreas Mikkelsen (25). The Norwegian won the opening race of 2017, the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, in a ŠKODA FABIA R5. As such, reigning WRC 2 champions ŠKODA Motorsport have won the first three world championship rallies of the year.


Final result of the Rally Mexico (WRC 2):

1. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 3:32:56.5 hrs
2. Camilli/Veillas (F/F); Ford Fiesta R5; + 0:42.7 min
3. Guerra/Rozada (MEX/E); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 7:46.1 min

The number for the Rally Mexico: 11:6

The dramatic duel for the lead in the WRC 2 class at the Rally Mexico was reflected in the battle for individual stage wins. Here too, ŠKODA driver Pontus Tidemand in his FABIA R5 came out on top 11:6 in the head-to-head with Eric Camilli. Two special stages originally scheduled for Friday had to be cancelled, as a traffic jam caused the rally cars to be late leaving the capital Mexico City on their way back to the service park in León.

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):

Event/ Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #186 poslato: 27. Mar, 2017. 10:52 »

Winning streak continues for ŠKODA: Jan Kopecký triumphs at start of Czech Rally Championship

​› Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler win Rally Janča Valašská
› Kopecký/Dresler win with ŠKODA FABIA R5 to record eleventh straight win over two combined seasons in the Czech championship
› Michal Hrabánek: “Respect to Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler for this commanding performance”

​Kopřivnice, 26th March 2017 – The ŠKODA works duo of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) has won the season-opener in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). The defending champions claimed victory at the Rally Janča Valašská and remained undefeated in their ŠKODA FABIA R5 for the eleventh race over three combined seasons in the national championship. The experienced drivers put on a commanding performance on both days of the rally and topped the overall standings from the first stage to the last. Jan Černý/Petr Černohorský (CZ/CZ) claimed an impressive third place, also in a ŠKODA FABIA R5, and were just one second behind the second-placed duo of Václav Pech/Petr Uhel (CZ/CZ) at the finish.

​“Respect to Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler for this commanding opening performance. They dominated the rally from the first special stage to the last. Of course, this eleventh straight win for the ŠKODA FABIA R5 confirms just how well we have been working. When I look into the eyes of the team members, all I can say is: they are hungry for success and want more. I would also like to congratulate Jan Černý and Petr Černohorský in third place. They showed just how competitive the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The Rally Janča Valašská, a new addition to the MČR calendar this year, consisted of twelve special stages over a total of 150.56 kilometres, and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler were victorious on eleven of them. Kopecký dominated the rally from the first special stage and crossed the finish line 01:11.1 minutes ahead of his arch rival Václav Pech in second place. The battle for second place was more exciting and Pech/Uhel were only able to emerge triumphant on the final stage, pushing the ŠKODA FABIA R5 drivers Černý/Černohorský into third place.

“A great weekend for the whole team,” said Jan Kopecký. “The FABIA R5 was perfectly prepared and ran well from the first stage to the last, so it’s a big thankyou to all involved. The win confirms that we are on our way. It is also a yardstick for the next challenges. We want to confirm this good impression at the upcoming domestic and international rallies.”

Final standings Rally Janča Valašská (MČR):

01. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 1:30.57.8 Hrs
02. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ); Ford Fiesta R5; + 1:11.1 min.
03. Černý/Černohorský (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1:12.1 min.

08. Tlusťák/Vybíral (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 4:25.4 min.
09. Tarabus/Machů (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA S2000; + 4:27.6 min.
10. Štajf/Rajnoha (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 4:52.4 min.

The number of the Rally Janča Valašská: 11

With this victory at the Rally Janča Valašská, ŠKODA works driver Jan Kopecký chalked up his eleventh straight win over two seasons. The ŠKODA FABIA R5 still remains unbeaten since making its Czech championship debut at the Rally Šumava Klatovy in April 2015. At the season-opener, Kopecký also claimed eleven of twelve possible special stage best times, and his winning margin at the finish was also a lucky number: 1:11.1 minutes.
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« Odgovor #187 poslato: 03. Apr, 2017. 15:30 »

2018: ŠKODA campaigns KODIAQ in SUV rally championship

​​› ŠKODA Motorsport is entering a new category in the FIA World Rally Championship
​› The successful FABIA R5 will be joined by the KODIAQ WRC destined for the new WRC SUV class
​› The KODIAQ WRC will premiere at the 2018 Rally Monte Carlo

​Mladá Boleslav, 1 April 2017 – ŠKODA is expanding its participation in top-tier world rally sport. The brand of the world champions is entering the newly established WRC SUV category with the ŠKODA KODIAQ WRC.

​The ŠKODA Motorsport works team will be starting in two categories for the first time in the FIA World Rally Championship next year. In addition to the successful ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 category, it also will compete in the new WRC SUV category.

The category was established by the championship promoter to answer the ever-increasing popularity of SUVs. Starting from the next racing season, a new class of racing vehicles – WRC SUV – will compete alongside the current WRC and WRC 2 categories. It is reserved exclusively for vehicles derived from production SUV models.

ŠKODA will enter its own representative in the new category in the form of a modified ŠKODA KODIAQ. The new large SUV is just entering the international market and is enjoying universal acclaim.

The KODIAQ WRC meets all of the necessary technical criteria. FIA regulations dictate the use of a turbocharged engine with a displacement of 2.0 litres and a minimum vehicle weight of 1,650 kilograms.

Two electronic assistance systems are also onboard and carried over from the standard model. Driver Alert can recognise drive fatigue, while Blind Spot Detect warns the driver of vehicles travelling in the blind spot of the driver´s rear-view mirror.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ WRC is built upon the experience of the same team which took the ŠKODA FABIA R5 to the World Championship title in the WRC 2 category. The excellent performance of ŠKODA Motorsport continues. The FABIA R5 won 13 of the past 14 races in the current and previous season. Most recently, in March, Pontus Tidemand won the Rally Guanajuato México.

The ŠKODA Motorsport Team is looking forward to the new challenge and intends to follow the successful track record of the Fabia R5 with the KODIAQ WRC. The team’s management, designers and technicians have plenty of work still ahead of them, but everyone believes that they will cover all bases and that the new vehicle will be in top form and best prepared for competition.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ WRC will debut on a racecourse in January 2018 at the Rally Monte Carlo. The names of the drivers and co-drivers who will crew the two ŠKODA KODIAQ WRC rally cars will be announced by ŠKODA Motorsport in September.
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #188 poslato: 09. Apr, 2017. 23:46 »

Tour de Corse: Convincing win for Andreas Mikkelsen ŠKODA claims top two spots in the WRC 2 table

​› Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Anders Jæger-Synnevaag celebrate a start-to-finish victory in WRC 2 with their ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Tour de Corse
› Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler fight back to secure important WRC 2 points 
› ŠKODA holds the top two spots in the WRC 2 table, thanks to Pontus Tidemand and Andreas Mikkelsen
› Norwegian juniors Veiby/Skjaermœn take fifth place in their private ŠKODA FABIA R5

​Bastia/Corsica, 9 April 2017 – Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Anders Jæger-Synnevaag led the field from start-to-finish in their ŠKODA FABIA R5 to score a convincing victory that never looked at risk in the WRC 2 category at the Tour de Corse. Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler put in an impressive performance in the second works ŠKODA FABIA R5 following steering problems on the first day. The fight back, including two fastest stage times, put them in seventh place in the WRC 2 rankings, scoring important championship points.

​“It’s just amazing! Our second rally in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 and our second win. I controlled my speed on the 54-kilometre special stage on Sunday. I wanted to secure my lead, and there was no way I was going to put this win in danger by taking any big risks. It was really important for me not to lose concentration – which I managed. A big thanks to the team for giving me such a great car,” said a visibly delighted Andreas Mikkelsen, who scored no fewer than seven fastest stage times.

After suffering steering problems on the first day, Jan Kopecký was nevertheless satisfied with the final outcome. “I think that, without the problems, there would definitely have been a podium place for me in there,” stressed the Czech champion. The points for seventh place in the WRC 2 classification now put Kopecký in sixth place in the championship.

The Norwegian junior team Ole Christian Veiby/Stig Rune Skjaermœn ran into bad luck on the final day. Tyre damage on the rally’s longest stage ultimately cost them what seemed like a safe fourth place. However, Veiby turned in a commendable performance on his first tarmac rally, moving into fifth place in the WRC 2 table after the Tour de Corse.

Not only can ŠKODA celebrate its fourth win in a row in this year’s WRC 2, Andreas Mikkelsen and Pontus Tidemand (who didn’t compete at the Tour de Corse) now hold a clear lead at the top of the championship table with 50 points each.

Final Result Tour de Corse (WRC 2)

1. Mikkelsen/Jæger-Synnevaag (NOR/NOR), ŠKODA FABIA R5, 3:31.04,1 h
2. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN), Ford Fiesta R5, +1.06,3 min.
3. Rossel/Fulcrand (FRA/FRA), Citroën DS3 R5, +4.46,4 min.
4. Tempestini/Bernacchini (ITA/ITA), Citroën DS3 R5, +8.02,9 min.
5. Veiby/Skjaermœn (NOR/NOR), ŠKODA FABIA R5, +8.27,1 min.
6. Loubet/Landais (FRA/FRA), Ford Fiesta R5, +9.14,0 min.
7. Kopecký/Dresler (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA R5, +9.59,9 min.

Current standings WRC 2 after four rounds

1. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR), 50 points
2. Pontus Tidemand (SWE), 50 points
3. Eric Camilli (FRA), 46 points
4. Teemu Suninen (FIN), 36 points
5. Ole Christian Veiby (NOR), 25 points
6. Jan Kopecký (CZE), 24 points

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/ Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #189 poslato: 22. Apr, 2017. 23:04 »

Rally Šumava Klatovy: Jan Kopecký and ŠKODA continue their impressive winning streak

​› Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA FABIA R5) dominate the second round of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
› ŠKODA’s works teams remain unbeaten in 2017
› Czech champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler drive 9 of 13 best times

​Klatovy, 22 April 2017 – Unperturbed by weather shenanigans, rain on the second leg and a time penalty, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA FABIA R5) have driven to a resounding victory in the Rally Šumava Klatovy. However, ŠKODA Stablemates Jan Černy/Petr Černohorský were unlucky when a time penalty caused them to lose second place to Ford driver Václav Pech.

​Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA FABIA R5) laid the foundation for their resounding victory in the Rally Šumava Klatovy in the first stage on Friday. The Czech champions drove four convincing best times, with the fifth special stage abandoned for safety reasons due to oil on the road left behind by one of the vehicles participating in the historic category. Kopecký and Dresler finished the day with a comfortable lead of around half a minute.

Kopecký and co-driver Dresler (ŠKODA FABIA R5) turned in five more best times on Saturday, despite heavy rain transforming the morning’s fast stages around Klatovy into treacherous slippery roads.

Brand stablemates Jan Černy/Petr Černohorský in their private ŠKODA FABIA R5 had pushed their way into second place and were locked in a thrilling duel with Ford team Vacláv Pech/Petr Uhel. On their way to a refuelling stop between the eighth and ninth stages, Kopecký’s co-driver Dresler and Černy’s navigator Černohorský misinterpreted an unclear instruction in the roadbook and missed a junction. As a consequence, both teams reached the refueling station via a route other than the one specified and each were penalised 15 seconds. While Jan Kopecký continued on his way unaffected at the top of the leader board, the penalty was enough to lose Jan Černy the battle for second place.

Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler drove the remaining stages with their ŠKODA FABIA R5 with a controlled speed, safely bringing home their second win of the season and extending their lead in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

Rally Šumava Klatovy (MČR) final standings

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA R5, 1:19.49,5 h.
2. Pech jun./Uhel (CZE/CZE), Ford Fiesta R5, +47,1 s.
3. Černy/Černohorský jun. (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA R5, +1.12,5 min.
4. Szeja/Szeja (POL/POL), Ford Fiesta R5, +2.06,7 min.
5. Drohnal/Ernst (CZE/CZE), Ford Focus RS WRC 06, +2.38,0 min.
6. Tarabus/Machu (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA S2000, +3.00,2 min.


The 2017 calendar for the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Valašská Rally  25.03.–26.03.2017
Rally Šumava Klatovy  21.04.–22.04.2017
Rally Český Krumlov  19.05.–20.05.2017
Rally Hustopeče  16.06.–17.06.2017
Rally Bohemia  01.07.–02.07.2017
Barum Czech Rally Zlín  25.08.–27.08.2017
Rally Příbram  06.10.–08.10.2017
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #190 poslato: 27. Apr, 2017. 14:33 »

Rally Argentina: ŠKODA seeks to extend championship lead

​› ŠKODA works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Andreas Mikkelsen share the lead in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with equal points
› Every single win in the WRC 2 category so far has gone to ŠKODA teams
› Double wins for Mikkelsen and Tidemand – the ŠKODA FABIA R5 dominates the WRC 2
› Pontus Tidemand takes to Argentine gravel, aiming for his third victory of the season
› The demanding gravel rally in Argentina climbs to an altitude of 2000 metres

​Mladá Boleslav, 27 April 2017 – The 2017 season couldn’t be going better so far for ŠKODA. Works drivers Andreas Mikkelsen (winner of the Rallye Monte Carlo and Tour de Corse together with co-driver Anders Jæger-Synnevaag) and Pontus Tidemand (winner in Sweden and Mexico with co-driver Jonas Andersson) share top place on the championship table in the WRC 2 classification with the same number of points. Tidemand is the only ŠKODA works driver on the grid in Argentina and is in a position to take over outright leadership of the WRC 2.

​Around 360 kilometres over 18 special stages, ranging from the Argentine prairie to altitudes of more than 2000 metres, sandy tracks across flatlands and rutted mule trails high in the mountains – these are the ingredients of one of the world championship’s toughest gravel rallies. The gradient profile of the tracks in the foothills of the Andes near Cordoba is not dissimilar to that of the Rally Mexico, where some of the cars suffered breathing difficulties and temperature problems in the thin mountain air. Not so the ŠKODA FABIA R5, which carried Pontus Tidemand to victory in Mexico. The Swede is taking this as a good sign for the Rally Argentina. His ŠKODA FABIA R5 was transported directly from Mexico to Cordoba and is, to a certain extent, already “acclimatised”.

As the only works team taking part, Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson are flying the flag for ŠKODA Motorsport in Argentina. But ambitious private teams are well placed to attack in the fight for top place. Poles Hubert Ptaszek/Maciek Szczepaniak and four other teams are putting their faith in a ŠKODA FABIA R5. Gustavo Saba Rodriguez (PRY) and Benito Guerra (MEX) in particular look well set to score a top result.

The Rally Argentina kicks off on the evening of Thursday 27 April with a spectacular show stage in Cordoba. The winner is expected to cross the finish line in Carlos Paz around midday on Sunday 30 April.

Did you know...
... the first Rally Argentina took place in 1980 in the Tucumán Region under the name Rally Codasur, and the winner was a certain Walter Röhrl?

... that, alongside football, Argentines are also passionate about motorsport?

... Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio is an idol of Formula 1 history?

... Argentine Carlos Reutemann not only took second place in the Formula 1 championship in 1981, but also third place in the Rally Argentina in both 1980 and 1985?

... Jorge Recalde drove to a hugely celebrated overall victory in 1988, making him the only Argentine to-date to win a round of the World Rally Championship?

... every year, more than one million fans converge on the rally and enjoy a huge fiesta?


The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):

Event/ Date
Rally Monte Carlo  19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden  09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico  09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France  06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina  27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal  18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy  08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland  29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland  27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany  17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain  05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain  26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia  16.11.–19.11.2017
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Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #191 poslato: 30. Apr, 2017. 20:46 »

Double victory for Team MRF ŠKODA: Gaurav Gill wins APRC Rally of Whangarei ahead of Ole Christian Veiby

​› MRF ŠKODA Team unbeatable at opener of 2017 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in Whangarei/New Zealand
› Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill beats ŠKODA junior Ole Christian Veiby
› ŠKODA FABIA R5 fastest car on each special stage
› Heavy rainfall and treacherous conditions didn’t prevent Veiby and Gill to fight for victory

​Whangarei/New Zealand, 30 April 2017 – ŠKODA MRF Teams Ole Christian Veiby/Stig Rune Skjaermœn (NOR/NOR) and Gaurav Gill/Stéphane Prévot (IND/BEL) were engaged in a fierce battle right from the start of the Rally of Whangarei. Reigning champion Gaurav Gill, this time paired with co-driver Stéphane Prévot, was fastest on the opening short “Super Stage”. During the first leg the Norwegian rookie team Ole Christian Veiby/Stig Rune Skjaermœn took the lead. On the third but last stage, Veiby had a technical issue, after a roadside repair incurred a time penalty and dropped to second place behind teammate Gill. The two-time champion finally secured victory on the opening round of the APRC 2017.

​The opening round of the 2017 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) took place around the host city of Whangarei on New Zealand’s Northland. Heavy rainfall in the forests in the north of Auckland made the special stages on the first leg of the rally very slippery. “It was raining cats and dogs. The changing conditions of mud and rain made it slippery in places, when others were really grippy. Sometimes it was raining so heavily the wipers couldn’t clear all the water away – it was hard to see at all,” commented Ole Christian Veiby, who took the lead after the first leg of the rally with more than a half minute gap.

Teammate Gaurav Gill meanwhile was struggling with the setup of his ŠKODA FABIA R5. By the end of the first day, he changed the shock absorbers, modified the differential settings and was ready to fight back for the lead. The weather improved on the final day of the rally and a thrilling and close battle for the victory evolved. On Sunday morning Gill was fastest on two stages, Veiby fought back with one scratch time. With three more stages to go, Veiby was still 23 seconds ahead of Gill. In SS 14 Veiby had a brake issue and lost a lot of time in the stage. After a roadside repair, he checked in late on the time control for the next stage, got a time penalty and dropped to second place behind teammate Gill.

At the finish in Whangarei, Ole Christian Veiby was already looking forward to the next rally: “What an experience. I never thought I would be leading most of the rally, can’t wait for the rest of the APRC season!” Gaurav Gill and Stéphane Prévot celebrated their win on the podium in Whangarei after a tense and thrilling battle with their young Norwegian teammates.

ŠKODA Motorsport Boss Michal Hrabanek was delighted: “Congratulations to Gaurav and Ole Christian for their stunning performance. There is no better way to start the APRC season but with a double victory!”
 

Final Results APRC Rally of Whangarei,
1st round of FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)

1. Gill/Prévot (IND/BEL), ŠKODA FABIA R5, 2:35:06.8 h
2. Veiby/ Skjarmœn (NOR/NOR), ŠKODA FABIA R5, + 2:02.8 min
3. Blomberg/Andersson (SWE/SWE), Mitsubishi Mirage, + 17:45.5 min
4. Takahashi/Nakamura (JPN/JPN), Subaru Impreza WRX STi, + 28:17.3 min
5. Abhilash/Gowda (IND/IND), Subaru Impreza WRX STi, + 37:42.9 min

Calendar of the 2017 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)

Event/ Date
Rally of Whangarei – New Zealand; 28.04–30.04.2017
Rally Canberra – Australia; 26.05–28.05.2017
China Rally; 07.07–09.07.2017
Malaysian Rally; 11.08–13.08.2017
Rally Hokkaido – Japan; 15.09–17.09.2017
Rally of India; 24.11–26.11.2017
« Poslednja izmena: 30. Apr, 2017. 20:55 Karlheinz »
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« Odgovor #192 poslato: 30. Apr, 2017. 23:14 »

Winning Rally Argentina Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson take outright lead in WRC 2 with their ŠKODA FABIA R5

​› Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (ŠKODA FABIA R5) scored a dominant WRC 2 win at Rally Argentina with a “Simply Clever” drive
› ŠKODA FABIA R5 proved again unbeatable and rock solid on tough roads
› Swedish pairing marked 12 fastest times in WRC 2 on 18 special stages
› ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek: “Pontus did a clever and smart drive and was never in danger.”
› WRC 2 category: ŠKODA achieved eighth victory in a row since Rally of Spain 2016

​Villa Carlos Paz/Argentina, 30 April 2017 – Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson (SWE/SWE) not only celebrated their third WRC 2 win in 2017 with their ŠKODA FABIA R5, they also took over the outright lead in World Rally Championship category WRC 2. On the last two legs of the event nobody was able to follow the speed of the Swedish pairing. At the finish line in Villa Carlos Paz in the west of Cordoba, Tidemand/Andersson celebrated the win with a huge margin of more than ten minutes ahead of private ŠKODA team Juan Carlos Alonso/Matias Alejandro Mercadal. Since Rally of Spain in 2016 the ŠKODA factory teams is now unbeaten for the eighth time in a row.

​On Saturday morning, Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson had a “big moment”. In a huge watersplash a hidden stone bent the protection plate of the rear differential. From there on Tidemand had to finish the stage in a very careful style. He also had to proceed through two more stages before the car could be attended to by mechanics in the service area. The ŠKODA FABIA R5 proved itself rock solid and Tidemand reached the service without notable time loss.

From then on Tidemand drove with a controlled speed, while his competitors struggled with all kind of problems. The Swedish pairing finished with more than nine minutes in front of their closest rivals Alonso/Mercadal (ARG/ARG) after the Saturday leg of the Rally.

On a sunny Sunday morning, three more stages in the south west of Cordoba were waiting for the competitors, including the famous El Condor-Copina stage. One driver characterized this particular stage “like driving on the moon”. Nearly no vegetation, a small and winding gravel path between rocks as big as houses and hundred thousands of enthusiastic spectators along the road make up for an unique background in the world of rallying.

“A smooth morning, no drama or mistakes. We are here and I am so happy about this. Now we must keep focussed to avoid any stupid mistakes”, Tidemand said after the first El Condor run. He followed his plan and brought the car to an outstanding victory back to Villa Carlos Paz. The Argentinian duo Juan Carlos Alonso/Matias Alejandro Mercadal, running a private entered ŠKODA FABIA R5, finished on second place in the WRC 2 category.

“Pontus and Jonas impressed me a lot at Rally Argentina – they made a very strong performance and drove ‘Simply Clever’ to an outstanding victory”, concluded a very delighted ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek on the podium in Villa Carlos Paz.

Final Result Rally Argentina (WRC 2)

1. Tidemand/Andersson (SWE/SWE) ŠKODA FABIA R5, 3:55.42,7 h
2. Alonso/Mercadal (ARG/ARG), ŠKODA FABIA R5, + 10.11,3 min.
3. Guerra/Cué (MEX/ESP), ŠKODA FABIA R5, + 43.05,5 min.
4. Saba Rodriguez/Mussano (PRY/ARG), ŠKODA FABIA R5, + 50:14,6 min.
5. Ptaszek/Szepaniak (POL/POL), ŠKODA FABIA R5, + 52.14,6 min.

Current championship standings WRC 2 after five rounds

1. Pontus Tidemand (SWE), ŠKODA, 75
2. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR), ŠKODA, 50
3. Eric Camilli (FRA), Ford, 46
4. Teemu Suninen (FIN), Ford, 36
5. Benito Guerra (MEX), ŠKODA, 30

Number of the day: 15
From the last 16 World Championship rallies ŠKODA won 15. Since Rallye of Spain last year, the factory team is unbeaten and scored eight wins in a row.
 
The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/ Date
Rally Monte Carlo; 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden; 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico; 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France; 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina; 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal; 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy; 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland; 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland; 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany; 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain; 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain; 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia; 16.11.–19.11.2017
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #193 poslato: 16. Maj, 2017. 14:20 »

Rally Portugal: Tidemand and Mikkelsen want to strenghten their lead

› Double lead for ŠKODA in WRC 2: Pontus Tidemand on top ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen
› Two years ago the ŠKODA FABIA R5 started its career in Portugal, since then becoming the most successful car in the World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson and Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger-Synnevaag for the first time competing together for ŠKODA Motorsport
› ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek: “We are facing strong competition in WRC 2.”

Mladá Boleslav, 16 May 2017 – Five rallies, five victories: ŠKODA is dominating the World Rally Championship (WRC 2) in 2017. Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger-Synnevaag (NOR/NOR) won the Monte Carlo Rally and the Tour de Corse/Rally France. Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (SWE/SWE) were unbeatable in Sweden, Mexico and Argentina. Looking ahead to Rally Portugal (18 to 21 May 2017), ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek is expecting a tense battle.

“Five brands and 20 competitors in the fight for victory in WRC 2 – these numbers demonstrate not only the quantity, but as well the quality of this category. Our goal is to strengthen the championship lead for ŠKODA in WRC 2,” says ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek.
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 returns to the event where the success story began two years ago. Esapekka Lappi (FIN) and Pontus Tidemand (SWE) proved right from the debut at Rally Portugal 2015, that the ŠKODA FABIA R5 will be the car to beat in WRC 2 category. Since then, the Czech rally car has been successful around the world and won the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) has good memories of Rally Portugal as well: In 2015 he was third, in 2016 second in the overall classification, driving a Polo WRC. His 2017 teammate Pontus Tidemand won the WRC 2 category for ŠKODA last year. Now both are facing the competition of 18 teams and four additional brands. Due to a new regulation in 2017, Rally Portugal is the first of three mandantory events teams have to compete in order to be eligible to score points for the championship. In total, six ŠKODA FABIA R5 are registered to score points in WRC 2. Three more ŠKODA FABIA will compete in R2 class.

“I am happy that ŠKODA is offering me the opportunity to drive the FABIA for the third time this year. Now I am facing my first gravel rally with the ŠKODA FABIA R5. I have a very fast teammate and a lot of other strong competitors”, Andreas Mikkelsen is looking forward to Rally Portugal. Pontus Tidemand, who won on ice and snow in Sweden and the gravel events in Mexico and Argentina, has a clear target: “I want to get as much points as possible in order to increase my lead in WRC 2.”

In 2015 the Portuguese WRC round moved back to the north of the country to the region around Porto. Actually, it is one of the most spectator crowded events in World Rally Championship. The notorious Fafe jump alone attracts ten thousands of spectators every year. The atmosphere on the stages in the north comes close to being in a football stadium. The event starts on Thursday with a show stage on the rally cross circuit of Lousada.

The first full day of rallying on Friday features stages in the far north near the border to Spain. Saturday features the longest leg with a mixture of sandy roads, rocks and deep ruts especially during the second pass of the stages. On the long stages the right tyre choice is key to success, the alternatives being soft compound for more traction or hard compound in order to manage tyre wear. On Sunday the Fafe loop on fast and smooth gravel roads, including the famous jump, is the spectator highlight of the event. In total, the teams will face 19 special stages covering nearly 350 kilometres in total.
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Van mreže KarlheinzZapočeo temu

Odg: ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news
« Odgovor #194 poslato: 18. Maj, 2017. 01:09 »

Rally Český Krumlov: Kopecký aiming for hattrick

​ŠKODA FABIA R5 driver Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler targeting victory at the Rally Český Krumlov, third round of the Czech Rally Championship.

​Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler are dominating the Czech Rally Championship since they achieved a maiden win with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 on its debut at Rally Šumava Klatovy 2015. Since then, they won every event. Driving a ŠKODA FABIA R5 they collected twelve victories in a row. Upcoming weekend (19/20 May 2017) they are targeting a hattrick win in MČR 2017 and the third victory in a row at the Rally Český Krumlov. For Kopecký/Dresler, being the spearhead of ŠKODA Motorsport in the Czech Rally Championship, the goal for 2017 is crystal clear: winning the MČR title for a third time in a row.

“There is still a long, long way to go in the championship”, Kopecký says. “We have to stay focused and have to avoid any mistakes. My competitors improved a lot, scoring fastest times already at Rally Šumava Klatovy. Ford driver Václav Pech and Jan Černý with his privately run ŠKODA FABIA R5 are ready to fight for the victory,” stresses Kopecký.

Last year, Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZE/CZE) won the Rally Český Krumlov ahead of their teammates Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (SWE/SWE), who are not competing in ŠKODA’s backyard this year. Instead the Swedish pairing on the same weekend is entered into the World Championship Rally de Portugal.

“I am fully confident that Jan and Pavel will be hard to beat at Rally Český Krumlov”, comments ŠKODA Motorsport Boss Michal Hrabánek and adds: “They are as fast and reliable as their ŠKODA FABIA R5.”

Český Krumlov, the host city of the rally, is located in the region of Southern Bohemia and is named a UNESCO world heritage side. České Budějovice is famous for his world class beer. The whole region offers a fantastic landscape and challenging stages, 16 in total.

Rally Český Krumlov starts on Friday (19 May) at 3.27 pm and runs competitive over 171,38 kilometres. The winners are expected at the finish in České Budějovice on Saturday (20 May) at approximately 5:00 pm. Alongside Jan Kopecký’s works ŠKODA FABIA R5, five private ŠKODA R5 plus additional ŠKODA teams in different categories are entered.

The 2017 calendar for the Czech Rally Championship (MČR):
Valašská Rally    25/03–26/03/2017
Rally Šumava Klatovy   21/04–22/04/2017
Rally Český Krumlov   19/05–20/05/2017
Rally Hustopeče    16/06–17/06/2017
Rally Bohemia    01/07–02/07/2017
Barum Czech Rally Zlín   25/08–27/08/2017
Rally Příbram    06/10–08/10/2017
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