ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA celebrates podium positions at the Rally Sweden

​› ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) celebrate second place at home rally
› Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) make it onto the winner’s podium in third place after splendid catch-up
› Michal Hrabánek: “The ŠKODA Fabia R5 is one of the most competitive cars in the WRC 2 category, even on ice and snow”

​Karlstad, 14th February 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport started their 2016 season with podium positions at the Rally Sweden. At the second event of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), works driver Pontus Tidemand (S), whose home rally was the first ever rally he contested with his new co-driver Jonas Andersson (S), finished in second place in the WRC 2 classification. Their team-mates Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN), who temporarily dropped down into eleventh place after making a driving error on Friday, also made it onto the podium in third place after a flawless performance on Saturday and Sunday.

​“On the drastically reduced route, our drivers showed that the ŠKODA Fabia R5 is one of the most competitive rally cars in the WRC 2 category, even on ice and snow,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “Unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough to get the win overall, but the seven stage best times proved that our team is always capable of driving for wins. That gives us all the more motivation to push even harder at our upcoming appearances in the WRC.”

Since only the power stage was held on Sunday, local hero Tidemand only had 15.87 kilometres to reduce his deficit of 17.9 seconds to leader Elfyn Evans (GB). “We tried everything, but unfortunately there was no way of closing the gap on just one stage,” said Tidemand, who trailed by 14.7 seconds at the end of the rally. “Nevertheless, I am happy with second place – that is my best result at my home rally to date. It was also my debut rally with my new co-driver Jonas Andersson. We worked in fantastic harmony right from the word go, and I am really looking forward to the coming rallies with him. Congratulations to Elfyn Evans, he earned the win with a fantastic performance.”

Team-mate Lappi delivered an impressive performance on the closing power stage on Sunday, on which he not only got the best time in the WRC 2 category, but in the final metres also overtook Anders Grøndal (N), who was in third place in the overall standings until that point. “The best time on this very short final day gave me some satisfaction,” said Lappi, who trailed Grøndal by 8.7 seconds going into the final stage. “Finishing third after all is a fantastic feeling. Congratulations to the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team, who once again provided us with a very fast and reliable car.”

The Rally Sweden has been held on ice and snow in winter regularly since 1965, before then it was held as a summer event, known as the “Rally to the Midnight Sun”. It wasn’t quite as warm in the rally base of Karlstad this year as it was when the rally first started, but mild, almost spring like weather at the start of the week meant that the organisers were forced to cancel a total of nine of the 21 special stages scheduled. Instead of icy and snow-covered tracks, the organisers found partially sodden gravel roads on which it would have been too dangerous to drive with the studded tyres delivered specially for the Rally Sweden. The rally route ended up being reduced from 331.21 to 226.48 classified kilometres, which meant that the 2016 Rally Sweden was the shortest WRC event ever.

Final classifications Rally Sweden (WRC 2):1. Evans/Parry (GB/GB)  ​​Ford Fiesta R5   ​2h 5m 4.4s2. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S) ​ŠKODA Fabia R5   ​+ 14.7s3. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN)  ​
ŠKODA Fabia R5 ​+ 1m 50.9s4. Grøndal/Walfridsson (N/S)  ​​Ford Fiesta R5   ​+ 1m 53.0s5. Brynildsen/Fredriksson (N/S)  ​​Ford Fiesta R5 
+ 2m 30.5s
             
The number of the Rally Sweden: 7

At the Rally Sweden, reduced from its original number of 21 special stages to just twelve, the ŠKODA Motorsport drivers won a total of seven stages. Pontus Tidemand was fastest on the special stages Torsby 2, Vargåsen 1 and Karlstad 2. Esapekka Lappi won the sections Svullrya 2, Rämmen 2, Vargåsen 2, as well as the closing power stage Värmullsåsen 2. This saw the most stage best times in the WRC 2 category at the winter rally through Sweden and Norway go to the ŠKODA Fabia R5.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA to defend APRC title with talented youngster Fabian Kreim

​› German duo Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian lines up in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the six rounds of the 2016 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
› ŠKODA goes into prestigious continental championship on the back of four titles in a row
› Michal Hrabánek: “We want to continue our winning run in the APRC”

​Mladá Boleslav, 31 March 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport goes in search of its next title in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) with talented young German driver Fabian Kreim. The 23-year-old will start the six rounds of the prestigious continental championship alongside his experienced co-driver Frank Christian in the ŠKODA Fabia R5. ŠKODA has won the APRC title for the last four years running.

​“We want to continue our winning run in the APRC and are delighted to have a talented young driver at the wheel of the Fabia R5, in the form of Fabian Kreim,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We are giving him a great chance to continue his development and gain valuable experience on gravel. The APRC is ideal for this. The rallies in the populous Asia-Pacific region, with our core market of China, are particularly important to ŠKODA. For this reason, we want to be at our best again with the experienced and successful ŠKODA MRF team.”

Recent years have been nothing short of impressive. In 2015, ŠKODA followed works driver Pontus Tidemand’s (S) victory at the Rally China with the manufacturer’s fourth title treble in a row in the APRC. The Czech car maker has been unstoppable since 2012 in the Driver, Co-Driver and Manufacturer competitions. Indian rally hero Gaurav Gill also lines up for the ŠKODA MRF team again. The 2013 APRC champion is at the wheel of the team’s second car, and will be on hand to offer valuable advice to his new team-mate Fabian Kreim.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to take on the challenge of the APRC with ŠKODA,” said Kreim. “All the rallies are obviously completely new to me, and I will have a lot to learn. However, I hope I can establish myself among the front-runners and challenge for race wins as quickly as possible at these international events.”

The 23-year-old only switched to rallying in 2013, since when he has developed rapidly. Since 2015 he has driven for the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland team in the German Rally Championship (DRM), where he promptly won five races and finished second in the championship. Kreim finished eighth in the WRC 2 class on his World Rally Championship debut at last year’s Rally Germany.

Kreim’s 31-year-old co-driver, Frank Christian, already boasts an impressive record on the international stage. In 2014, alongside Sepp Wiegand, he finished runner-up in the European Championship for ŠKODA. Christian won the WRC 2 class on his debut for the Czech car maker at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo in 2013. As well as their first season in the APRC, Kreim and Christian will also compete at selected rounds of the German Rally Championship, as well as the Rally Germany in the WRC.

As is tradition, the 2016 APRC season kicks off with the Rally Whangarei in New Zealand on 30th April. New to the calendar is the Rally India, which forms the final round of the season on 10th and 11th December.


FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)*

Event/Date
Rally Whangarei – New Zealand: 30.04.–01.05.2016
Rally Queensland – Australia: 17.06.–19.06.2016
Rally China – China: 06.08.–07.08.2016
Rally Hokkaido – Japan: 24.09.–25.09.2015
Rally Malaysia – Malaysia: 29.10.–30.10.2016
Rally India – India: 10.12.–11.12.2016

* subject to confirmation by motorsport’s governing body, the FIA.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Motorsport launches its campaign in the national championship at the Rally Šumava Klatovy

​› Last year’s winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler out to repeat their success with the ŠKODA Fabia R5
› Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson line up as the second ŠKODA works duo in West Bohemia
› Michal Hrabánek: “Looking forward to appearing in front of the Czech fans”

​Mladá Boleslav/Klatovy, 25 April 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport begins its title defence in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) at the 51st Rally Šumava Klatovy. Last year’s champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), in the ŠKODA Fabia R5, are out to repeat last year’s success on the demanding routes in and around the Bohemian Forest. The second ŠKODA works duo of Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) will also make a guest appearance in the national championship on Friday and Saturday.

​“A year ago we celebrated a successful rally debut for our ŠKODA Fabia R5 with victory at the Rally Šumava Klatovy,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The success we have enjoyed around the world with our new rally car since then is confirmation of the great development work done by our team.” However, Hrabánek is aware that this is no reason to rest on their laurels. “We are working hard to continue improving. Only that way will be have any chance of defending the title in our company’s homeland. We are looking forward to the first appearance of 2016 in front of our home crowd.”

The Rally Šumava Klatovy is the first of six races in the Czech Rally Championship. Like last year, when the ŠKODA Fabia R5 made its debut, thousands of rally fans are expected to line the 12 special stages, which feature roughly 150 kilometres against the clock. After victories here in 2012 and 2015, Jan Kopecký would love to win the iconic rally, which was first held in 1964, for the third time. “We obviously have fond memories of last year, when we drove the Fabia R5 here for the first time,” said the experienced Kopecký. “However, it will not be easy to repeat this success: the opposition is even stronger than in 2015,” said the 34-year-old.

Asia-Pacific champion Pontus Tidemand enjoyed a successful first outing with new co-driver Jonas Andersson in February, finishing second at the Rally Sweden. After his home race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), 25-year-old Tidemand now lines up in the homeland of the ŠKODA brand. “Jonas and I are particularly looking forward to racing in front of the Czech fans,” said Tidemand. “This spectacular rally is a real challenge, and also a great test for the next outings in the World Championship.” From 19 to 22 May, Tidemand/Andersson, Kopecký/Dresler and the third ŠKODA works duo of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will be in action at the WRC round in Portugal.

In the Czech championship, Kopecký can look forward to a new instalment of last year’s duel with rival Václav Pech (CZ). He will also receive tough competition from ŠKODA customer teams, such as Vojtěch Štajf/František Rajnoha (CZ/CZ). They also line up with the high-tech, four-wheel drive car that has enjoyed so much success around the world. Štajf races for the Klokočka ŠKODA Czech National Team.



Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov: 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče: 17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia: 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram: 30.09.–01.10.2016

Did you know …

... the ŠKODA works team of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler won eleven of the 12 special stages at last year’s Rally Šumava Klatovy? In the end, the dominant duo marked the first rally outing of the Fabia R5 with a dominant victory, finishing 1:34.6 minutes ahead of second-placed Frenchman Bryan Bouffier.

... the ŠKODA Fabia R5 has already won five national titles and one continental championship within just one year of its launch? Pontus Tidemand triumphed at the Rally Longyou in China last October to be crowned champion of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). ŠKODA has been the manufacturer to beat in this prestigious championship for the last four years.

... Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler won the title in last year’s Czech Rally Championship without suffering a single defeat? They were victorious at five out of five rallies with the ŠKODA Fabia R5.

...the schedule in the Czech Rally Championship is identical to last year’s? The Rally Šumava Klatovy once again forms the first of six rounds. Other highlights of the national championship in 2016 include the Rally Bohemia, which represents ŠKODA’s home rally around the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, and the Barum Czech Rally Zlín, which also forms part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

[Karlheinz]

One-two: ŠKODA Motorsport enjoys perfect start to the season in the Czech Rally Championship

​› Defending champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler repeat last year’s victory at the Rally Šumava Klatovy – second place for Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson
› Thousands of fans thrilled by triumphant success of ŠKODA drivers and ŠKODA Park
› Michal Hrabánek: “A great start to the season in the home of our brand”

​Klatovy, 30 April 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport enjoyed a perfect start to this season’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR) with a highly-acclaimed one-two. Thousands of fans at the 51st Rally Šumava Klatovy celebrated the win for defending champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), who repeated last year’s success. The second ŠKODA works duo of Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S), who were making a guest appearance in the national championship, finished runners-up, just 26.1 seconds behind the winners. The first round of the 2016 MČR season was a triumphant success for the ŠKODA brand: the Czech car maker occupied all three spots on the podium, one year after the successful Fabia R5 made its debut.

​“That is a great start to the season in the home of our brand. It was at the Rally Šumava Klatovy one year ago that Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler claimed the first win with our ŠKODA Fabia R5 on the car’s debut. The fact that our new rally car was successful across the board this time is confirmation of the great work put in by everyone in the ŠKODA team,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. Pavel Valoušek/Veronika Havelková (CZ/CZ), also at the wheel of a ŠKODA Fabia R5, came home third behind the two works duos.

In glorious sunshine, the rally in and around the Bohemian Forest opened with a stage with for ŠKODA’s biggest rival Václav Pech (CZ). However, the green, white and black cars of the ŠKODA Motorsport works team dominated the remaining eleven special stages. Experienced 34-year-old Kopecký won stage two with a stunning time to take the lead, and never looked back. After about 150 kilometres against the clock on the narrow asphalt routes, the enthusiastic rally fans celebrated Kopecký’s third victory at the iconic rally, having previously won in 2012 and 2015.

“A superb win in great weather, and the fans were thrilled – you cannot ask for more. Our Fabia R5 was once again a wonderfully quick and reliable tool. However, Pontus made us work pretty hard for the win,” said Jan Kopecký. He won seven special stages, his Swedish team-mate four. “It was a great battle with Jan, with a worthy winner. This rally in the Czech Republic was huge fun, and the perfect preparation for the coming challenges in the World Rally Championship,” commented Asia-Pacific champion Tidemand. From 19 to 22 May, Tidemand/Andersson and Kopecký/Dresler will line up in the WRC 2 class at the Portuguese round of the World Rally Championship.

The opening race of the MČR around Klatovy was also a great success for ŠKODA Czech Republic. In bright sunshine, thousands of fans poured into the ŠKODA Park in the service park in Janovice, where visitors were treated to an attractive support programme. “ŠKODA made a perfect start to the season in the MČR – both on and off the stages. I would like to thank the many visitors who flocked to the ŠKODA Park and showed such a huge interest in our successful models,” said Luboš Vlček, head of Importer ŠKODA Czech Republic.

The number for the Rally Šumava Klatovy: 8
 
 
One year ago, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) were at the wheel of the ŠKODA Fabia R5 when the car made its competitive debut at the Rally Šumava Klatovy. Just one year later, the field featured eight (!) of the new rally cars. As well as the works team’s two high-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouses, a further six drivers from customer teams also put their faith in the Fabia R5. At the end of the rally, the top ten in the overall standings included six ŠKODAs. As well as the four Fabia R5s, one driver was underway in each of the predecessor models, the Fabia Super 2000 and the Fabia WRC.

Rally Šumava Klatovy – Final Overall Classification

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5; 1:19:05.9 hrs 
2. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 0:26.1 min
3. Valoušek/Havelková (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 1:05.8 min
4. Černý/ Černohorský (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000; + 1:36.4 min
5. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ), Porsche 997 GT3; + 1:47.3 min

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/ Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy; 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov; 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče;17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia; 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín; 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram; 30.09.–01.10.2016

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA also unbeatable in New Zealand

​› One-two win for ŠKODA MRF at the opener of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC): Experienced duo Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall wins ahead of newcomers Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian
› Rally Whangarei and Rally Šumava Klatovy: Two wins for ŠKODA just under 18,000 kilometres apart
› Michal Hrabánek: "Fantastic weekend of rallying for ŠKODA"

​Whangarei, 1 May 2016 – ŠKODA crowned a fantastic rally weekend with a one-two win at the season opener of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). The experienced duo Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS) of ŠKODA MRF triumphed after a dramatic duel at the Rally Whangarei in New Zealand ahead of strong newcomers Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D). Just under 18,000 kilometres away, the ŠKODA Motorsport works team also celebrated a one-two win at the first event in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) with the Fabia R5 a few hours earlier.
​
​"What a fantastic weekend of rallying for ŠKODA! Just like at the Rally Šumava Klatovy in the Czech Republic, our brand's home country, the two driver duos on the other side of the world in New Zealand did a fantastic job. Special praise goes to Fabian Kreim and Frank Christian, who delivered a great performance at their first international rally on gravel together," summed up ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

And 23-year-old youngster Kreim, who has only been contesting rallies since 2013, really did make an impressive debut in the prestigious continental championship. The German battled hard against the rally veteran 11 years his senior over 275 kilometres at his first ever gravel rally. Kreim even started the final day with a buffer of 4.6 seconds after Gill suffered tyre damage. However, after 16 special stages, the 2013 APRC champion had a lead of 30.4 seconds over his young challenger Kreim

"The first gravel rally of my career was an incredible experience for me. These were the most beautiful tracks I have ever driven on. Incredible that we were able to stage such a good battle with our team-mates, and even take the lead temporarily," said Kreim. He also thanked his colleagues at ŠKODA MRF: "Gaurav Gill and Glenn Macneall gave us valuable tips. I hope that with more experience on gravel in the course of the season, we will be more competitive."

Gaurav Gill was full of praise for his young rival: "Fabian Kreim delivered a strong performance on his debut. I'm pleased that we got a one-two win for our team ŠKODA MRF at the season opener. It will be a hard-fought battle for the title this year." ŠKODA has won the title in the APRC the last four years.

A total of 51 teams lined up at the Rally Whangarei. Including New Zealand's local rally hero, Hayden Paddon, who won the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) event in Argentina a week ago. The next stop in the APRC is the Rally Queensland in Australia from 17 to 19 June. However, the German Championship runners-up Fabian Kreim and Frank Christian are in action again in Germany this week: They will do battle for points at the Rally Sulingen in the German Rally Championship (DRM) on 6 and 7 May.


The number for the Rally Whangarei: 13

With 13 best times on 16 special stages, ŠKODA MRF with its two Fabia R5 was the measure of all things in the APRC standings of the Rally Whangarei. Gaurav Gill got nine top times, while Fabian Kreim made it onto the list of winners on four stages on his debut.


FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)

Event/ Date
Rally Whangarei – New Zealand; 29.04.–01.05.2016
Rally Queensland – Australia; 17.06.–19.06.2016
Rally China – China; 06.08.–07.08.2016
Rally Hokkaido – Japan; 24.09.–25.09.2016
Rally Malaysia – Malaysia; 29.10.–30.10.2016
Rally India – India; 10.12.–11.12.2016

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Motorsport enters hot phase of World Rally Championship in Portugal

​› ŠKODA works teams Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler aim to secure top results
› Second World Championship start of 2016 for ŠKODA Motorsport Team in WRC 2
› Rally Portugal is round five of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

​Mladá Boleslav, 16 May 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport is entering the hot phase of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the Rally Portugal. Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) will be battling for top results at the second World Championship start for the works team this year. With 368 kilometres spread across 19 stages from Thursday to Sunday, including the legendary Fafe special stage, the rally will be a huge test of man and machine.

​“One year ago, we celebrated the debut of our ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the World Rally Championship with second and third place at the Rally Portugal,” recalls ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We would like to build on that result. We feel ready to face the extreme challenges of this difficult rally as a team, and we want to prove ourselves against top competition,” Hrabánek adds.

A total of 25 driver/co-driver duos have registered for the WRC 2 category at the Rally Portugal. In addition to ŠKODA works drivers Tidemand and Kopecký, eight more drivers will be competing in a ŠKODA Fabia R5. “Our customers love this vehicle, proving just what a reliable and fast rally car our Fabia R5 is,” says Hrabánek. It is a successful car too: at the 51st Rally Šumava Klatovy, Jan Kopecký and Pontus Tidemand crowned the dress rehearsal for the World Championship rally in Portugal with an excellent one-two.

Asia-Pacific champion Tidemand knows the gravel stages in Portugal well, after racing there last year. In May 2015, he claimed third place behind his ŠKODA team-mate Esapekka Lappi (FIN). “I would like to finish a bit higher in the overall standings this time,” says Tidemand. “Jonas and I want to be challenging for the win in Portugal, even though this will be really hard work.” The 25-year-old and his navigator Jonas Andersson marked the first appearance for ŠKODA Motorsport in this year’s World Championship by finishing second at their home rally in Sweden.

In Portugal, Jan Kopecký will be competing in WRC 2 for this first time this year. The stages near the Atlantic Ocean, in the northern region of the country, are totally new to the experienced 34-year-old. When he competed at the Rally Portugal nine years ago, the event took place on the Algarve. “We are really looking forward to getting started in the World Championship,” says Kopecký. “Such a long and challenging rally demands that you keep your head and don’t take unnecessary risks. Of course we want to finish with the best result possible, but the season has a long way to go,” Kopecký adds. Portugal is the fifth of 14 locations for the top flight of rallying. Each driver can nominate seven rallies, in which he can score points for the WRC 2 championship standings

The legendary Fafe special stage on Sunday has to be completed twice, and will play a decisive role at the Rally Portugal. Tens of thousands of fans will make the pilgrimage to the 11.19-kilometre stage, which includes a huge jump. Works driver Esapekka Lappi recorded the best time here in WRC 2 last year, in the ŠKODA Fabia R5. That is a good omen for ŠKODA Motorsport at the 2016 Rally Portugal.


FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/ Date               
Rally Monte Carlo; 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden; 11.02.–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

[Karlheinz]

Pontus Tidemand gives ŠKODA Motorsport the first win of the season in the WRC 2

​› Two damaged tyres and still at the top: Works team Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) triumphs at the ultimate endurance test in Portugal
› One-two result for fast, reliable ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the second start of the season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› Michal Hrabánek: "Great success for the ŠKODA brand"

​Porto, 22 May 2016 – The speedy Swedes Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson passed the ultimate endurance test at the Rally Portugal and gave ŠKODA Motorsport their first win of the season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). Despite two damaged tyres on the 368 classified kilometres, the works duo got an emphatic win. ŠKODA Motorsport's second start of the season in the WRC 2 was a triumph for the ŠKODA Fabia R5: Behind Tidemand/Andersson, the customer team Nicolás Fuchs/Fernando Mussano (PE/PE) clinched a one-two result for the ŠKODA brand.

​“This gravel rally in Portugal really took everything out of man and machine. Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson weren't thrown off course by the minor setbacks and showed a very strong performance in the face of fierce rivals. My congratulations go to the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team, who did a fantastic job. This is a great success for the ŠKODA brand,” said Michal Hrabánek.

Exactly one year after the ŠKODA Fabia R5 made its WRC debut at the Rally Portugal, the ŠKODA Motorsport Director was able to enjoy another spectacular success for the new rally car: “Of the top ten drivers in the WRC 2, seven were in a ŠKODA Fabia R5. The Rally Portugal proved that we have developed a fast and reliable car. And our customers also benefit from this. These successes are what motivate us to keep working hard.”

This was exactly the attitude that Pontus Tidemand displayed at the Rally Portugal on the gravel tracks riddled with sharp stones. A best time on the first stage on Thursday saw the Asia-Pacific champion take the lead in the WRC 2. However, the 25-year-old suffered tyre damage on both Friday and Saturday, and despite lightning-fast tyre changes, temporarily lost the lead to fellow ŠKODA driver Nicolás Fuchs, but fought his way back to the top impressively with phenomenal times. Then Tidemand claimed his second win for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2 in front of tens of thousands of delighted spectators on the legendary Fafe stage on Sunday. The Swede was also victorious at the Rally Spain last year.

“What a crazy rally! We are delighted with this hard-fought win after fantastic duels with our fellow ŠKODA drivers. Thanks go to the entire team, who once ageing gave us a great car to work with,” said Tidemand. After second place at the home rally in Sweden in February, the fair-haired racing driver finished on the winners' podium for the second time on his second start in the WRC 2 this year.

In the overall standings for the season in the WRC 2, with 43 points, Tidemand moved up into third place behind Britain's Elfyn Evans (62), who failed to pick up points in Portugal after a crash, and Nicolás Fuchs (55). The man from Peru won the Rally Argentina, and before that, Finland's Teemu Suninen was victorious at the Rally Mexico – the ŠKODA Motorsport works team did not compete in either of these rallies. Including Tidemand's triumph in Portugal, this means that each of the last three WRC 2 rallies have been won in a ŠKODA Fabia R5.

The second ŠKODA works team of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) also delivered an aggressive, strong performance in Portugal. After two damaged tyres on Friday, the experienced rally drivers restarted the race at the weekend with the burden of a 14-minute penalty, and after a spectacular pursuit, ended up finishing in tenth place to pick up a point for the overall WRC 2 standings. “We got the best-possible result after our misfortune with the tyres and now need to look to the future,” said Kopecký.

This Friday and Saturday, the Czechs and the winning duo Tidemand/Andersson will contest the Rally Český Krumlov in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). Then from 9 to 12 June, the Rally Sardinia is the next WRC 2 task. In addition to Kopecký/Dresler, the third works duo of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will represent ŠKODA Motorsport.

Final standings Rally Portugal (WRC 2):

1. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S);ŠKODA Fabia R5: 4:10:46.2 hrs.
2. Fuchs/Mussano (PE/PE);ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 1:28.8 min.
3. Aasen/Gulbæk (N/N) ;Ford Fiesta R5:  + 3:19.7 min.
4. Pedder/Moscatt (AUS/AUS); ŠKODA Fabia R5:  + 3:19.9 min.
5. Campos/Magalhães (P/P); ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 4:06.8 min.
6. de Mevius/Jalet (B/B); ŠKODA Fabia R5:  + 6:11.6 min.
...
10. Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 15:36.0 min.

The number of the Rally Portugal: 16

The ŠKODA Fabia R5 was the outstanding car of the WRC 2 category at the Rally Portugal. On 19 special stages, 16 best times went to the high-tech four-wheel drive from the Czech Republic. Works driver Tidemand topped the timesheet eight times. On top of this, four customers were added to the list of winners. Finland's Teemu Suninen was number 1 five times, Nicolás Fuchs, Scott Pedder (AUS) and Ghislain de Mevius (B) each got one best time.  
FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/Date               
Rally Monte Carlo: 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden: 11.02.–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

[Karlheinz]

Jan Kopecký out to extend his lead in the Czech Rally Championship

​› Leaders and defending champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler set sights on second win of the season
› Second guest appearance in the Czech championship for ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson after victory in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) in Portugal

​Mladá Boleslav/Český Krumlov, 24 May 2016 – ŠKODA Motorsport has set itself some lofty goals for the 44th Rally Český Krumlov: to repeat last year’s success, continue the winning run, and extend the lead in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). Last year’s winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) are looking to tighten their grip on top spot at round two of the Czech national championship, preferably with their second win of the season. ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) will be in action in the Czech Republic for the second time this season on Friday and Saturday. The speedy Swedes gave the ŠKODA Motorsport team their first win of the season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at Rally Portugal last weekend.

​“We made a perfect start to the Czech Rally Championship with the one-two achieved by Jan Kopecký and Pontus Tidemand at the Rally Šumava Klatovy,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We are pleased to be back racing in front of our home crowd again. Last year’s Rally Český Krumlov was hard to beat, in terms of drama. Jan Kopecký only secured a thrilling victory on the very last stage,” Hrabánek recalls.

Thousands of fans are expected again at the second of six rounds in this season’s MČR. The iconic event begins on Friday in České Budějovice and ends after 14 stages and 167.08 kilometres against the clock in Český Krumlov on Saturday.

Not only could Jan Kopecký claim his second win of the season, but he could also win the iconic rally for the third time, having previously triumphed in 2012 and 2015. “We want to challenge for the win again. That is going to require a top performance. Pontus Tidemand and Václav Pech are among those who will give as good as they get again,” says the 34-year-old. Kopecký has won his last six MČR rallies in the ŠKODA FABIA R5, starting last season.

Pontus Tidemand and his co-driver Jonas Andersson are making their second guest appearance in the Czech championship at the Rally Český Krumlov. “Jonas and I are looking forward to our next rally in the home of the ŠKODA brand, as the fans are really special here,” says 25-year-old Tidemand.

As at the Rally Šumava Klatovy, Kopecký/Dresler and Tidemand/Andersson will face competition from ŠKODA customer teams in South Bohemia. Vojtěch Štajf/František Rajnoha (CZ/CZ) will compete in ŠKODA’s globally successful high-tech four-wheel drive powerhouse, the FABIA R5. Štajf lines up for the Klokočka ŠKODA Czech National Team.

ŠKODA has once again come up with something new for motorsport fans at the Rally Český Krumlov. As well as a diverse and entertaining programme in the ŠKODA Park, the manufacturer is also staging a competition, in which entrants can win a ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 for a year. “ŠKODA has made a perfect start to the season in the MČR – both on and off the rally routes,” says Michal Pres, Head of Marketing at ŠKODA Czech Republic. “We want to continue that at the Rally Český Krumlov, and to offer fans in the ŠKODA Park another attractive programme.”

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 and other rally cars in the Czech Rally Championship are not the only ones who will be competing in South Bohemia. One part of the diverse motorsport weekend will be the 5th New Energies Rally Český Krumlov for automobiles with alternative forms of propulsion. This forms part of the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) Alternative Energies Cup for the first time this year. The importance of the rally is underlined by the attendance of FIA President Jean Todt.

ŠKODA is also represented in this competition, including with the ŠKODA OCTAVIA Combi 1.4 TSI G-TEC. This sees the Czech car maker confirm its interest in the development of alternative forms of propulsion. The brand also boasts impressive technical expertise in the field of developing and manufacturing environmentally-sound vehicles. CNG technology is among the key pillars of ŠKODA’s sustainability strategy. The OCTAVIA G-TEC, which runs on both fuel and compressed natural gas, is very popular with customers.


Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov: 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče: 17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia: 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram: 30.09.–01.10.2016

[Karlheinz]

One-two for ŠKODA: Jan Kopecký extends lead in the Czech Rally Championship

​› Defending champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler win the Rally Český Krumlov to take their second victory in race two of this year’s national championship
› Successful second guest start: Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson complete ŠKODA one-two
› ŠKODA Fabia R5 wins all twelve timed special stages

​Český Krumlov, 28 May 2016 – Mission accomplished: At the 44th edition of the Rally Český Krumlov, ŠKODA Motorsport celebrated their second one-two result in the second race of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) season. The 2015 winners, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), were victorious again this year and extended their leading position in the national championship. ŠKODA's dominance in South Bohemia was underlined by the second ŠKODA works team of Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S), who finished in second place, just like at the season opener.

​“Kudos to Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, and to Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson, who once again delivered a highly focussed performance at the Rally Český Krumlov. Every member of the ŠKODA Motorsport team contributed to this one-two result,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The many fans in our brand home of the Czech Republic made the rally very special once again. Our ŠKODA Fabia R5 worked perfectly again. But we won't rest on our laurels: After all, it is less than two weeks until the Rally Italy on Sardinia in the WRC 2.”

The performance at the Rally Český Krumlov was flawless. A ŠKODA works duo won on all six of Friday's special stages. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler claimed five stages, while Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson got one stage best time. Arch-rival Václav Pech (CZ) was still in third place at this point, but he did not contest the second part of the rally.
 
On Saturday, a hailstorm forced the second and fifth special stages of the day to be cancelled amid concerns for safety. The remaining kilometres had a similar outcome to the previous day's stages: Kopecký/Dresler and Tidemand/Andersson each won three of the six special stages up for grabs. In the end, it was Kopecký/Dresler who celebrated a commanding win, just like at the season opener at the Rally Šumava Klatovy.

Jan Kopecký not only clinched his second win of the season at the Rally Český Krumlov, he also won the legendary rally for the third time after his victories in 2012 and 2015. “It was another step on the way to successfully defending the title. These fantastic fans played a large part in our success,” said the 34-year-old. He has now won the last seven rounds of the MČR in which he has competed in his ŠKODA Fabia R5 spanning this season and last.

Pontus Tidemand, who won the Rally Portugal in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) last weekend, was delighted with second place: “A fantastic result for us. Congrats to Jan on his win. He really feels at home on the asphalt tracks and is very hard to beat here.“

The ŠKODA customer teams also performed well. Vojtěch Štajf/František Rajnoha (CZ/CZ) were in action for the Klokočka ŠKODA Czech National Team, who also compete in the internationally successful high-tech four-wheel drive Fabia R5. Štajf finished in sixth place with a deficit of 4.22.5 minutes to the top.

In addition to the sporting highlights, ŠKODA also entertained the fans in the ŠKODA Park. The brand organised a competition in which all participants were in with a chance of winning a ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 for a year.

The next rally in the Czech Rally Championship is the Rally Hustopeče, which will be held on 17 and 18 June. However, before this is the Rally Italy on Sardinia in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), which takes place from 9 to 12 June. Where, in addition to the Krumlov winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will also represent ŠKODA Motorsport.

The number for the Rally Český Krumlov: 12

The two ŠKODA works duos Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler and Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson in the Fabia R5 won all twelve timed special stages at the Rally Český Krumlov. There were even nine one-two results for the ŠKODA drivers. A further two special stages were on the schedule; however, the two passes of the "Malonty" stage had to be cancelled on Saturday. This was due to severe storms with heavy hail at times. The roads on the 22.66-kilometre special stage were extremely dirty and safety could not be guaranteed.

Rally Ceský Krumlov - Final Overall Classification

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA Fabia R5; 1:13:55.4 hrs
2. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S); ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 0:39.8 min
3. Dohnal/Ernst (CZ/CZ); Ford Focus RS WRC; + 2:26.0 min
4. Jakeš/Ehlová (CZ/CZ); Citroën DS3 R5; + 2:51.9 min
5. Odložilík/Tureček (CZ/CZ); Ford Fiesta R5; + 3:25.9 min
 
Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy; 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov; 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče; 17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia; 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín; 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram; 30.09.–01.10.2016

[Karlheinz]

High jumps, hard tracks: ŠKODA eager to continue run of success on Sardinia

​› ŠKODA duos Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler and Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in action at the Rally Italy in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› Three podium positions in two starts by ŠKODA Motorsport with the FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 in 2016 to date
› Michal Hrabánek: "Maximum performance is required from the team"

​Mladá Boleslav, 6 June 2016 – High jumps, hard tracks: ŠKODA Motorsport are eager to continue their run of success at the Rally Italy on Sardinia (9 to 12 June). The works team will be represented by the experienced duos Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) and Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) at the third appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) in 2016. Kopecký has already picked up two wins in two starts in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). And at the World Championship event in Portugal two weeks ago, the third works team with Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) triumphed with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 category.

​"The Rally Italy is one of the most difficult challenges on the World Rally Championship calendar," said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “Maximum performance is required from the team." Almost 325 kilometres over 19 stages are scheduled from Thursday to Sunday. The highlight is the legendary "Micky’s Jump". It isn't the longest, but it is the highest jump that the rally cars have to master in the entire World Championship season. The mostly rock-hard surface also makes the tracks on the Mediterranean island a tough test for the cars.
"Our driver duos also need to be fully focussed every second that they are on the narrow gravel tracks on Sardinia. Every mistake is punished," warned Hrabánek. Jan Kopecký made it onto the WRC 2 podium in third place on Sardinia last year. The 34-year-old is eager to build on this performance at this year's edition. "After my win at the Rally Český Krumlov, I need to adapt from the asphalt tracks in my home country to the gravel surface on Sardinia as quickly as possible. Last year showed that it takes strong nerves and controlled risks here," said Kopecký.
 
Esapekka Lappi lost more than half an hour at the endurance test on Sardinia last year after a coming together with a stone, but won seven special stages to fight his way back up into ninth place. "The motto is: Drive quickly and don't make any mistakes. Our aim is definitely to be battling for the win," said Lappi. The "flying" Finn, like Jan Kopecký, will make his second appearance of the year in the WRC 2. On his first outing at the Rally Sweden, Lappi finished in third place behind his team-mate Pontus Tidemand.
 
Then came three wins in a row in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) for the ŠKODA FABIA R5. In the speedy, reliable four-wheel drive from Mladá Boleslav, the Finn Teemu Suninen was victorious at the Rally Mexico, while Nicolás Fuchs from Peru was unbeatable at the Rally Argentina. The works team didn't contest either of the two rounds overseas, but clinched the hat-trick of wins for the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Rally Portugal with Pontus Tidemand. The next chapter of the success story is set to be added on Sardinia.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event/ Date   
Rally Monte Carlo; 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden; 11.02.–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 …
… there are a total of eight ŠKODA FABIA R5 on the entry list of the WRC 2 category for the Rally Italy on Sardinia? In addition to the two works drivers Jan Kopecký and Esapekka Lappi, the ŠKODA customers Teemu Suninen, Nicolás Fuchs, Armin Kremer (D), Julien Maurin (F), as well as the Italians Umberto Scandola and Luca Hoelbling rely on ŠKODA'S powerful machine.
 
… ŠKODA is also a major player in the overall standings of the WRC 2 after five of the 14 rounds of the season? Behind the leading Brit Elfyn Evans (62 points), Nicolás Fuchs (55), works driver Pontus Tidemand (S/43), Hubert Ptaszek (PL/42), Armin Kremer (28) and Teemu Suninen (25) make it five drivers in the following positions who picked up their points in the FABIA R5. Works driver Esapekka Lappi is in eleventh place with 15 points – but he has only contested one rally so far. Each driver can pick up points for the WRC 2 overall standings in seven selected rallies during the course of the year.
 
… ŠKODA Motorsport is already in second place in the WRC 2 team standings? Even though the team has only contested two WRC rallies to date, they have already picked up 43 points. Only M-Sport with 73 points from four rallies is currently better.
 
… the rally will get underway with a new highlight on Thursday evening this time? The 2.00-kilometre special stage Ittiri Arena Show in Alghero replaces last year's opening stage in Cagliari. Also new: The special stages Tula on Friday and Sassari – Argentiera on Sunday.
 
... the absolute highlight is without a doubt the legendary "Micky’s Jump"? This will have to be mastered on the special stage Monte Lerno - at 44.26 kilometres the longest stage of the rally - which will be completed twice on Saturday. The rally cars fly up to 40 metres through the air on "Micky's Jump".
 
… the reigning World Rally Champion and current WRC front-runner Sébastien Ogier (F) made rally history in a ŠKODA here in 2012? He finished in fifth place overall in the FABIA SUPER 2000 on Sardinia, which no other driver has managed in an S2000-class car to date. However, even more impressive was the stage "Tergu-Osilo 1", on which the Frenchman achieved something historic: He got the best time – leaving all of the World Rally Car elite in his wake. In 2012, Volkswagen used the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 to prepare for entering the FIA World Rally Championship. Where Volkswagen have been the measure of all things since entering the competition: The team picked up the titles in the drivers', co-drivers' and manufacturers' standings of the WRC in 2013, 2014 and 2015. And Volkswagen leads all of the WRC standings again this year.
 
… the Rally Italy has only been held on Sardinia since 2004? Before that, Italy's WRC event had been held around Sanremo since the world championship was introduced in 1973. The Rally Italy's service park on Sardinia is located on the west coast of the island, in Alghero, for the third year in a row.
 
… ŠKODA has already won the "Rally Italia Sardegna" once? The Finn Juho Hänninen won in the Fabia Super 2000 in 2010. Back then, the rally was part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) as a one-off. Hänninen won the title at the end of the season, ahead of his fellow ŠKODA driver Jan Kopecký.
  … Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily? Almost 1.7 million people live in an area of 24,000 square kilometres. The north of Sardinia is 202 kilometres away from mainland Italy – while the south of the island is just 184 kilometres away from Tunisia. The capital is Cagliari.

[Karlheinz]

WRC 2: ŠKODA dominates the start of the Rally Italy

​› Five ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the top of the standings at the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) event
› ŠKODA works team Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in second place behind Italian ŠKODA drivers Umberto Scandola/Guido d’Amore
› Just under 220 kilometres await the drivers on Saturday and Sunday – Highlight "Micky’s Jump" is still to go

​Alghero, 10 June 2016 – ŠKODA got off to a bright start in glorious sunshine at the Rally Italy on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. The ŠKODA drivers put on a top show on the first two days with their dramatic fight for the lead; five turbo four-wheel drives lead the interim standings at the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) event. Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) in second place have a good chance to win; the second ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) fought their way up into fifth place after tyre damage. Italian ŠKODA drivers Umberto Scandola/Guido d’Amore are the front-runners as they head into the almost 220 kilometres scheduled for Saturday and Sunday that will decide who will win one of the most challenging rallies of the year.

"The strategy for the first part of the rally was to make as few mistakes as possible. Which we managed," summed up Esapekka Lappi. "The overall result shows just what a fantastic rally car our ŠKODA FABIA R5 is." The turbo four-wheel drive topped the timesheet on each of the nine stages on the first two days of the Rally Italy; on the "Tula 1" section, six ŠKODA FABIA R5 were at the top of the WRC 2 table. Going into the final two days, just 27.5 seconds separate the top four drivers in ŠKODA's high-tech fast car - so it should be a hotly contested battle for the win in temperatures of just below 30 degrees.
Lappi: "This day showed just what is possible at this difficult and unpredictable rally. And we haven't even covered a third of the stage kilometres yet." At the start of the rally, the 22-year-old youngster Teemu Suninen initially took the lead in his ŠKODA FABIA R5, which he lost to Italian fan favourite Umberto Scandola on the seventh special stage "Tula 2" after suffering tyre damage. The ŠKODA driver defended the lead, but only has a lead of 10.1 seconds over works driver Lappi going into the final two days.

The second ŠKODA works team Kopecký/Dresler were unlucky on Friday, losing almost a minute due to tyre damage. "We'll try to move up the field with a cool head on Saturday and Sunday. Nothing is decided yet here, minor details will decide who wins," said Kopecký. The drivers still have the biggest challenges ahead of them on Saturday, in the form of the three longest special stages of the Rally Italy. The 44.26-kilometre stage "Monte Lerno", which must be mastered twice, is a particular challenge. This is where "Micky's Jump" is found, also the proverbial peak of the rally - the cars not only fly up to 40 metres here, they also reach heights above the ground like on no other jump in the WRC calendar.

Interim standings Rally Italy (WRC 2):
1. Scandola/D’Amore (I/I); ŠKODA Fabia R5; 1:16:32.3 hrs.
2. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN);  ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 0:10.1 min.
3. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 0:19.2 min.
4. Fuchs/Mussano (PE/RA); ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 0:27.5 min.
5. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA Fabia R5; + 1:26.6 min
The number of the day at the Rally Italy: 0.2

On the "Tergu – Osilo 1" special stage, Finland’s Teemu Suninen was 0.2 seconds faster in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 than three-time world rally champion Sébastien Ogier (F) in the Volkswagen Polo WRC. Although this result was partly due to the stage becoming faster with each driver, and was also affected by the choice of tyre, Suninen’s performance was still remarkable. Ogier pulled off a historic performance on exactly the same "Tergu – Osilo 1" stage in 2012. He posted the best time in a ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 – ahead of all the elite drivers in their World Rally Cars. The current world championship leader Ogier used his time in the ŠKODA to prepare for Volkswagen’s appearance in the World Rally Championship, which he has dominated since 2013.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Event/Date   
Rally Monte Carlo; 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden; 11.02.–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

[Karlheinz]

One-two at the Rally Italy: ŠKODA passes the ultimate test of durability

​› ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler finish runner-up behind fellow ŠKODA pair Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula
› Fourth win in a row for the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) – Fastest time on all 19 stages
› Michal Hrabánek: “ŠKODA cars successfully mastered one of the most difficult challenges of the year”

​Alghero, 12 June 2016 – One-two: ŠKODA passed the ultimate test of durability at the Rally Italy with flying colours. Czech works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler finished an excellent second at what is probably the toughest rally on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) calendar. After a dramatic 322.82 kilometres of racing, fellow ŠKODA pair Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula from Finland took their place on the top step of the podium. They claimed the fourth WRC 2 win in a row for the ŠKODA FABIA R5, which was the fastest car in its class on all 19 special stages on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.

“Heat, big jumps, loose sand akin to that on the Rally Dakar, and big stones on the roads – the Rally Italy really put the drivers through their paces. The ŠKODA cars successfully mastered one of the most difficult challenges of the year,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler kept a cool head and completed a great success for our works team. Special congratulations go to the winners, Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula. The whole result on Sardinia is yet more proof of the class of our FABIA R5, and motivation to keep working hard.”

The Rally Italy was the most eventful rally of the 2016 World Rally Championship so far – both on and off the route. The event reached its dramatic highlight in the WRC 2 category on Saturday, on the 44.26-kilometre “Monte Lerno 1” stage – the longest stage of the rally, which also features the iconic “Micky’s Jump”. Leading going into the stage, the ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) failed to finish – as did fellow ŠKODA pair Umberto Scandola/Guido d’Amore from Italy, who went into the penultimate day as the WRC 2 leaders.
The other top ŠKODA drivers Kopecký, Suninen and Nicolás Fuchs (PE) were stopped temporarily by race stewards following a crash involving Italian WRC driver Lorenzo Bertelli. “A steward showed us an SOS board, so we did not complete the entire stage at top speed,” Kopecký explained. The dominant ŠKODA drivers consequently lost the lead in WRC 2, but were then deservedly given it back thanks to the decision of a jury late on Saturday evening.

They were given a time in accordance with their performance on the second running of the “Monte Lerno” stage.
ŠKODA driver Nicolás Fuchs then dropped out of the battle for second place with Jan Kopecký on Sunday’s opening stage. “I feel sorry for Nico, as we were having a really great duel! This Rally Italy was an emotional rollercoaster for us. First we dropped almost a minute and fell back down the standings due to a puncture, then we fought our way back to second place,” said Kopecký, who finished third on Sardinia last year. “That is a really happy ending! Especially as a ŠKODA FABIA R5 won again.”

Teemu Suninen claimed the fourth WRC 2 victory in a row for the high-tech, four-wheel drive powerhouse. The 22-year-old Finn kicked off the winning run at the Rally Mexico, while Nicolás Fuchs proved unbeatable in the quick and reliable car from Mladá Boleslav at the Rally Argentina. The works team did not contest the oversea rallies, but triumphed through Pontus Tidemand at the Rally Portugal. The Swede is the best-placed works driver in the overall WRC 2 standings in fourth place (43 points/two starts). Britain’s Elfyn Evans (62 points/ four starts) leads the championship, ahead of ŠKODA customers Fuchs (55 points/four starts) and Suninen (50 points/3 starts). Each driver can score points towards the race for the WRC 2 title at seven races in 2016.

Works driver Esapekka Lappi did manage to finish ninth to pick up two points at the Rally Italy. He re-joined the rally on Sunday and won all four special stages with a series of outstanding times. “Thank you to all the mechanics and the entire ŠKODA team, who got our car up and running again! We landed in a large hole after a jump on Saturday and were unable to continue. We will go on the attack again at the Rally Poland,” Lappi promised. Like Pontus Tidemand, the Finn will contest the next WRC 2 rally from 30 June to 3 July. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler are back in action this Friday and Saturday at the Rally Hustopeče in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

Final result of the Rally Italy (WRC 2):
1. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 3:44:23.2 hrs
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 0:49.6 min
3. Kruuda/Järveoja (EST/EST); Ford Fiesta R5; + 4:31.1 min
4. Kremer/Winklhofer (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 6:38.0 min
5. Maurin/Ural (F/F); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 7:39.8 min
…
9. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 25:59.6 min
 
The number for the Rally Italy: 19
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the dominant car in the WRC 2 category on Sardinia. The high-tech four-wheel drive car from the Czech Republic topped the time lists all 19 special stages across four days of rallying. Five different ŠKODA drivers won stages: Teemu Suninen (7), Esapekka Lappi (5), Umberto Scandola (4), Nicolás Fuchs (2) and Jan Kopecký (1).

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Event/ Date

Rally Monte Carlo; 21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden; 11.02.–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;30.06.–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

[Karlheinz]

Rally Hustopeče: Kopecký hunting a hat-trick of wins in the ŠKODA FABIA R5

› After two one-two results, ŠKODA Motorsport is favourite to win the third race in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
› ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler have already won the Rally Hustopeče four times
› Michal Hrabánek: “The whole team must stay as focussed as before”

​Mladá Boleslav, 13 June 2016 – All good things come in threes: ŠKODA Motorsport is aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins in this year’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR) at the Rally Hustopeče. Works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) are in fine form ahead of the third round of the national championship, having won both the Rally Šumava Klatovy and the Rally Český Krumlov. The Rally Hustopeče takes place in the wine-producing South Moravia region and there are ten special stages to be completed on Friday and Saturday, with a total length of around 150 kilometres. Kopecký/Dresler scored an excellent second place at Rally Italy in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) last weekend.

“At the Rally Hustopeče, we want to continue where we left off at Český Krumlov,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The whole team must stay as focussed as before – this is the only way for us to have a chance of winning the third race in the national championship, and of defending our title.” The first two rounds of the MČR season saw Pontus Tidemand /Jonas Andersson (S/S) finish second twice to seal one-twos for ŠKODA Motorsport, but this time just Kopecký/Dresler representing ŠKODA as a works duo.

In 2015 and 2016, the national champions have won all seven of the races in the Czech national championship, in which they have competed in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. The Rally Hustopeče has also been a happy hunting ground for the experienced Czech pair: after a hat-trick of victories between 2011 and 2013, the duo also recorded a fine win last year. These four wins for the ŠKODA drivers are a record at the Rally Hustopeče, and they intend to add another chapter to this success story at the weekend.

“We love the stages in South Moravia and we are looking forward to seeing loads of fans there too,” says Kopecký. “Of course we want to put on a good show for them in our ŠKODA FABIA R5, and be up there challenging for the win. That will be easier said than done, as the other drivers will not make it easy for us to win again,” explains Kopecký. Arch rival Václav Pech (CZ) will also be competing in his Porsche, as will Vojtěch Štajf (CZ). The ŠKODA customer from the Klokočka ŠKODA Czech National Team recently produced an impressive performance to claim fifth place at the Rally Český Krumlov.

The drivers will have to hold their nerve on the fast and challenging stages in South Moravia. The ten special stages take place within just 19 hours, and two of them must be completed after dark on Friday evening. The winning driver will celebrate victory early on Saturday afternoon in Hustopeče, which is also the location of the service area.

In addition to the entertainment provided by the rally, the fans will also have plenty to look forward to in the ŠKODA Park. As is usual for the Czech Rally Championship (MČR), there will be a competition to win a ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 for a year. “We have prepared another exciting programme of events to delight the fans in the ŠKODA Park, situated next to the start/finish line,” says Michal Pres, Marketing Manager of ŠKODA AUTO Czech Republic. “And, of course, we are hopeful that ŠKODA can extend its winning sequence at the Rally Hustopeče, in the home of our brand.”

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
Event/ Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy; 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov; 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče; 17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia; 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín; 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram; 30.09.–01.10.2016

Did you know …

… ŠKODA first claimed victory at the third Rally Hustopeče in 2007? The winning driver was Leoš Flídr (CZ) in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA WRC, ahead of Jan Kopecký.
… the Rally Hustopeče will be taking place for the twelfth time this year? The event was held for the first time in 2005.
… the Horní Bojanovice/Diváky stage is the longest of the Rally Hustopeče, at 17.43 kilometres? The drivers must complete it twice on Friday, once after dark at 22:35.
… the South Moravia (Jihomoravský kraj) region is one of 14 regions in the Czech Republic? The regional capital is Brno.
… the service area is based in the town of Hustopeče, which gives the rally its name? The coat of arms of the town features a cloven shield in red and gold. One half of the shield shows a bunch of red grapes beneath a silver vineyard knife with a golden handle. The other half shows a half-eagle with red tongue.
… Hustopeče is around 10 kilometres north-east of the “South Moravian Sea”? The system of man-made lakes was created in the 1980s when the 235-kilometre long River Thaya was dammed.
… the South Moravia region is the most important wine-producing region in the Czech Republic? The area primarily produces white wines, especially the Grüne Veltliner variety that is well-known in neighbouring Lower Austria. You can also find Müller-Thurgau, Welschriesling and Chardonnay wines.

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA out to shine in Australia

​› Rally Queensland marks the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
› Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian and Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall fly the flag for the ŠKODA MRF team
› Michal Hrabánek: “Talented young driver Fabien Kreim to gain more valuable experience on gravel”

​Mladá Boleslav, 14 June 2016 – On top down under: ŠKODA is out to shine at round two of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). On Saturday and Sunday, Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D) and Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS) will contest the Rally Queensland in Australia for the ŠKODA MRF team. Drivers Gill and Kreim claimed a much-heralded one-two for the Czech car maker at the opening round of the 2016 APRC in New Zealand.

“We want to back up our strong start to the season. However, we face another very tough test at the iconic rally in Australia. Our talented young driver Fabian Kreim is developing all the time and will gain more valuable experience on gravel,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. 23-year-old Kreim, who has only been driving rallies since 2013, produced a strong display on his APRC debut in New Zealand. He actually led going into the final day, and ultimately ended the rally in second place.

“I learned an awful lot at my first major gravel rally. I am now looking to build on that in Australia. I want to make it onto the podium again, and give my team-mate Gaurav Gill a good fight,” says Kreim. He has the form to do so: after his successful APRC debut, the youngster claimed a dominant victory at the Rally Saxony in the German Rally Championship (DRM). He is currently second overall in the strong national championship – a position he also occupies in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. His goal is to win the title in at least one of the two championships. After the opening race of the APRC, ŠKODA leads the Manufacturers’ Championship with 39 points, ahead of Subaru (28).

Kreim has 31 points to his name in the Drivers’ Championship after round one of the APRC, meaning he trails Gill – eleven years his senior – by seven points. The experienced Gill is obviously looking to extend his lead at the Rally Australia, and has the great advantage of knowing the majority of the 16 stages and 240 kilometres against the clock from previous years. Gill won the APRC class of the Rally Queensland, which takes competitors on fast roads through the woodland inland of the Sunshine Coach, in 2010. 42 teams line up at the Rally Queensland, which forms part of both the APRC and the Australian Rally Championship. ŠKODA has won the Manufacturer, Driver and Co-Driver titles in the APRC for the past four years in a row.

“Our goal, as it was at the season-opener, is obviously to win. I know the routes well, but Fabian Kreim learns very quickly. It is sure to be an exciting battle with my new team-mate,” says Gill. “Hopefully we can all celebrate together in the ŠKODA family again come the end of the rally.” At the same time as ŠKODA was winning the season-opener in New Zealand, 18,000 kilometres away it also claimed a one-two at the Rally Šumava Klatovy in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). A similar feat is also possible this time: the Rally Hustopeče in the MČR takes place in ŠKODA’s home market of the Czech Republic on the same weekend as the Rally Queensland in Australia.

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
Event/ Date
Rally Whangarei – New Zealand; 29.04.–01.05.2016
Rally Queensland – Australia; 18.06.–19.06.2016
Rally China – China; 06.08.–07.08.2016
Rally Hokkaido – Japan; 24.09.–25.09.2016
Rally Malaysia – Malaysia; 29.10.–30.10.2016
Rally India – India; 10.12.–11.12.2016

Did you know …
... ŠKODA has won the APRC category at the Rally Queensland in Australia for the past four years in a row? In 2012, Australian Chris Atkinson won for the first time in a FABIA SUPER 2000. The same car proved to be unbeatable in subsequent years. Finland’s Esapekka Lappi won in 2013, Jan Kopecký (CZ) was victorious in 2014, and Swede Pontus Tidemand took victory last year. As such, each of the three current ŠKODA Motorsport works drivers has tasted victory in Australia.
… ŠKODA has gone on to claim the APRC title each time it has won the iconic rally in Australia? Chris Atkinson was champion in 2012, while Gaurav Gill was crowned rally king of the Asia-Pacific region in 2013. He was succeeded on the throne by Jan Kopecký in 2014, before Pontus Tidemand won the prestigious title in 2015.
... the origins of the Rally Queensland date back to 1968? That was when the rally’s predecessor was held for the first time. The race has belonged to the Australian Rally championship since then, making it the longest-standing round of the championship.
... the Rally Queensland in Australia first formed part of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in 2009?
… the Rally Queensland was originally held near Brisbane? Since 1997, it has taken place inland of the Sunshine Coast, a good 150 kilometres north of the city. The service park is located in Imbil.
… the rally is the only international motorsport event in the Australian state of Queensland? The event has a new promoter this year, in the form of Rallycorp.
... Australia, with an area of roughly 7.7 million square kilometres, is the sixth largest country in the world? The coast alone is 35.876 kilometres long. The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, is 2,300 kilometres long and the largest structure on the planet created by living creatures.

[Karlheinz]

Kopecký completes hat-trick of victories for ŠKODA in Czech championship

​› Three MČR races in 2016, three wins: ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler remain unbeatable at the Rally Hustopečen
› Kopecký extends lead in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
› Two ŠKODA FABIA R5s triumph among the vineyards of South Moravia
› Michal Hrabánek: “Perfect end to the first half of the season

​Hustopeče, 18 June 2016 – Cheered on by thousands of fans, the ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) completed a hat-trick of victories in this year’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR). The experienced pair won the Rally Hustopeče on Saturday after a dramatic battle with fellow ŠKODA drivers Pavel Valoušek/Veronika Havelková (CZ/CZ). The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the best rally car in the field throughout the 150 special stage kilometres among the vineyards of South Moravia.

​“That was the perfect end to the first half of the season in the Czech Rally Championship. First of all, we got second place in the WRC 2 at the world championship race in Italy last Sunday, and now we have won at the Rally Hustopeče”. ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek was full of praise for Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, who “produced outstanding results after a challenging few days. The atmosphere in the ŠKODA Park and at the circuit was fantastic once again at the Rally Hustopeče. All ŠKODA Teams put on a great show for the numerous fans in South Moravia.”

The drivers did indeed deliver top-quality rally entertainment on the tight, bumpy and dusty asphalt of the twelve special stages. ŠKODA works driver Jan Kopecký took the lead right from the start, and was able to reclaim this position after dropping to second place behind Pavel Valoušek after a minor error in the Bořetice 2 stage. A fascinating duel developed between the two ŠKODA FABIA R5 drivers during the three stages after dark on Friday evening. The battle continued on Saturday, before Jan Kopecký claimed victory, 28.0 seconds ahead of Valoušek.

This was his third win of the season in the national championship, having already tasted victory at the Rally Šumava Klatovy and the Rally Český Krumlov. The reigning Czech champion has now won each of the eight national championship races in which he has competed in 2015 and 2016, spanning this season and the last. “The Rally Hustopeče is always a special rally for us, thanks to the particular track conditions. I was lucky that my error at the start of the rally did not lose me more time. It was a great battle with Pavel Valoušek, which makes this win even more valuable,” commented Kopecký.

This was the fifth time that the 34-year-old has celebrated victory at the Rally Hustopeče, having already won in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015, and he holds the record number of wins for this event. Kopecký extended his lead in the overall MČR standings and is the clear leader at the halfway point, after three of six races. Vojtěch Štajf (CZ) also produced a strong performance. The ŠKODA customer from the Klokočka ŠKODA Czech National Team finished in fourth place at the Rally Hustopeče, recording his best result of the year. “The ŠKODA FABIA R5 worked wonderfully. We can still have a lot of fun this season,” commented Štajf.

It is only two weeks until the next race in the Czech Rally Championship, the Rally Bohemia (2/3 July). Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler will start with home advantage around the ŠKODA brand headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The Rally Poland will take place in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) on the same weekend, featuring the works duos Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) and Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) for the ŠKODA Motorsport team.

The number for the Rally Hustopeče: 9
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the fastest car at the Rally Hustopeče, recording best times on nine out of twelve special stages. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler claimed eight stage best times, while Pavel Valoušek/Veronika Havelková also finished first once in the high-tech four-wheel drive ŠKODA car.

Rally Hustopeče – Final Overall Classification

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA FABIA R5: 1:25:43.8 hrs 
2. Valoušek/Havelková (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 0:28.0 min
3. Dohnal/Ernst (CZ/CZ), Ford Focus WRC: + 1:29.5 min
4. Štajf/Rajnoha (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 1:46.6 min
5. Grzyb/Hundla (PL/PL), Ford Fiesta: + 2:30.2 min

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov: 27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče: 17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia: 02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram: 30.09.–01.10.2016