ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news

[Karlheinz]

Wonderful rally weekend: ŠKODA celebrates in Australia as well

​› Second one-two result for ŠKODA in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC): Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall victorious ahead of Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian, in extremely difficult conditions
› The Rally Queensland and the Rally Hustopeče: two ŠKODA triumphs, 15,500 kilometres apart
› Michal Hrabánek: “Proud of this rally weekend”

​Imbil/Australia, 19th June 2016 – It was a wonderful rally weekend for ŠKODA: triumph at the Rally Hustopeče at home in the Czech Republic was followed by a one-two result at the Rally Queensland in Australia. Despite extremely difficult driving conditions, Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS) and Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D) repeated their achievements from the season-opener in New Zealand, securing the top two positions for the brand at the second race on the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) calendar. The previous day, 15,500 kilometres away, the ŠKODA works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler completed a hat-trick of wins in this year’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

“I am proud of this rally weekend. In Australia, we were victorious on muddy gravel tracks and we also won on asphalt at our brand home in the Czech Republic. This shows that ŠKODA drivers, ŠKODA teams and the ŠKODA FABIA R5 can beat all sorts of challenges,” concluded Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director praised the concentrated performance of the drivers from the ŠKODA MRF team in Australia: “Our youngster Fabian Kreim continued to progress at his second gravel rally and kept his nerve despite the wet and slippery conditions. Congratulations to Gaurav Gill, who claimed his second win of the season.”

At the rally near the Sunshine Coast, the drivers had to contend with very muddy stages after heavy rainfall. Conditions became so bad that four stages had to be cancelled on Sunday. “They call it the Sunshine Coast? The rain and mud made my second gravel rally even harder, especially as we were not familiar with the stages. So I am more than pleased with my second place in the APRC,” commented Kreim. The 23-year-old has only been competing in rallies since 2013, but he was able to hold off more experienced drivers on these stages, such as New Zealand’s Michael Young.
Experienced ŠKODA driver Gaurav Gill remained unchallenged in his FABIA R5. The 34-year-old took the lead in the first special stage and gradually extended his lead. Having repeated his performance from the season-opener in New Zealand, the Indian driver celebrated a dominant victory. This was the fifth win in a row for ŠKODA in the APRC championship at the Rally Queensland in Australia. In 2012, Australian Chris Atkinson triumphed for the first time in the FABIA SUPER 2000, which proved unbeatable in the years thereafter. Finland’s Esapekka Lappi won in 2013, Jan Kopecký (CZ) claimed victory in 2014, and Swedish driver Pontus Tidemand finished in first place last year. A sequence of success that has seen all three current ŠKODA Motorsport works drivers top the podium in Australia.

ŠKODA also has a good chance of securing the fifth consecutive APRC title, having extended the lead in the manufacturers’ standings. The top two in the drivers’ championship, Gill and Fabian Kreim, have also built up a lead over the competitions after two of the season’s six races. “My aim is to repeat my title win of 2013. Victory in Australia was an important step in that direction. It was extremely slippery but we found the right rhythm and our ŠKODA FABIA R5 remained fast and reliable to the finish, even in these extreme conditions.”

The next stop for the APRC is China, on 6 th th and 7th August. Fabian Kreim is in action again before this – on Friday and Saturday he will be competing at the Rally Stemweder Berg in the German Rally Championship, and one week later he will be racing at the Rally Bohemia in the Czech Rally Championship. The home race for ŠKODA takes place on 2nd and 3rd July, and will also feature this weekend’s victorious works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler.

The number for the Rally Queensland: 13

The ŠKODA MRF team was the clear winner in the APRC championship at the Rally Queensland, with the two FABIA R5s recording the best times in all 13 special stages. Gaurav Gill won all eight special stages on Saturday, finishing fastest 11 times overall. Fabian Kreim claimed first place on two occasions in the APRC. Sixteen stages had been scheduled originally, but four had to be cancelled due to heavy rain on Sunday afternoon. Only one stage could take place, and that was shortened to 1.20 kilometres.

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

[Karlheinz]

WRC 2: ŠKODA looks to continue winning ways at full-throttle show in Poland

​› Previous year’s winners Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm and Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson competing for ŠKODA Motorsport works team
› Total of eight ŠKODA FABIA R5s involved in seventh race of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) season – Poland’s Hubert Ptaszek out to thrill fans
› Four wins in a row for ŠKODA in the WRC 2
› Michal Hrabánek: “The Rally Poland is a special event for us”

​Mladá Boleslav, 27 June 2016 – ŠKODA is out to continue its winning run in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the full-throttle show in Poland. One year ago, Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm claimed the historic first WRC 2 win for the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Rally Poland – and the “flying Finns” would like to repeat that success this year. Sweden’s Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson are the second ŠKODA works duo in one of the fastest rallies of the year, which runs from Thursday to Sunday. Polish driver Hubert Ptaszek, also behind the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5, will be the centre of attention for tens of thousands of fans.

​“The Rally Poland is a special event for us. One year ago, we celebrated the first win here for our new ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the World Rally Championship. Of course we would like to continue that trend this year,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. The Rally Poland marks the start of some high-speed weeks in the WRC 2. The long-standing event among the Masurian Lakes, and the Rally Finland that follows it, rank as the two world championship events with the highest average speed.

“You need to be brave on the ultra-fast tracks, but you have to use your head as well. Last year, Esapekka Lappi and Pontus Tidemand got the balance just right to claim a one-two. However, the competition is stronger than in 2015 and we can look forward to an exciting Rally Poland,” continues Hrabánek. The top six in the overall WRC 2 standings – all of whom are driving a ŠKODA FABIA R5, with the exception of leader Elfyn Evans (GB) – will be battling to record the best times over 306.10 kilometres of stages, through thick forests and around beautiful lakes.

The last four WRC 2 rallies have been won by drivers of the high-tech four-wheel-drive FABIA R5. Two weeks ago, at the Rally Italy, victory went to the 22-year-old Finnish driver Teemu Suninen, who had started the sequence of wins at the Rally Mexico. Nicolás Fuchs (PE) won the Rally Argentina in the fast and reliable four-wheel drive powerhouse from Mladá Boleslav. At the Rally Portugal, it was works driver Pontus Tidemand who climbed onto the top step of the podium.

The Swedish driver is looking forwarding to returning to Poland: “I like the fast roads at the Rally Poland, and my second-place finish last year showed that. Jonas and I want to record another top result to improve our chances in the WRC 2 title race. To do that, we need to hold our nerve.” After finishing ninth at the Rally Italy, team-mate Esapekka Lappi wants to go on the attack: “We showed our potential in Sardinia with some stage wins, but we didn’t get the overall result to match. The mega-fast tracks in Poland remind me of Finland and it feels almost like home for me. We definitely want to be challenging for the win.”

It will certainly not be an easy task – in addition to Lappi and Tidemand, there will be six more drivers competing in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. These include Teemu Suninen and Nicolás Fuchs, both of whom have already won in the WRC 2 this year. At his home event, local hero Hubert Ptaszek wants to impress in the fast and reliable turbo car from the Czech Republic. His co-driver Maciej Szczepaniak (PL) has recovered from the injury he sustained at the Rally Portugal and is looking forward to his comeback in the WRC 2. “The Rally Poland is a highlight of the season for me. I am really looking forward to plenty of fans at our home rally and want to put on a good show,” says Ptaszek. He may even be able to give himself an early birthday present: the ŠKODA youngster will turn 23 just two days after the grand finale of the Rally Poland.

The Rally Bohemia will be taking place in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) at the same time as the Rally Poland. The championship leaders Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) will be competing for the works team, having recently finished runner-up in WRC 2 at the Rally Italy.


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

Did you know …

… the ŠKODA works drivers Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm have already won the Rally Poland twice? Exactly one year ago, the “flying Finns” claimed the historic first win for the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the WRC 2. Lappi had celebrated his first win in October 2012. He had just joined ŠKODA Motorsport and triumphed in the FABIA SUPER 2000 at his first rally in Poland. At that time, the event was part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

… alongside the Rally Monte Carlo, the Rally Poland is the oldest event in the rally world, but has only featured on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar five times? The Rally Poland took place for the first time in 1921, when Polish driver Tadeusz Heyne claimed victory. In 1973, the event was part of the inaugural World Rally Championship season, after which it was taken out of the WRC calendar and moved to the European Rally Championship. The event appeared once in the WRC, in 2009. The Rally Poland returned to the pinnacle of rallying in 2014, and remains there three years later.

… ŠKODA is represented by five of the top six drivers in the overall WRC 2 standings? After six out of fourteen races, British driver Elfyn Evans (62 points from four starts) is followed by Nicolás Fuchs (55/four starts), Teemu Suninen (50/three starts), works driver Pontus Tidemand (43/two starts), Hubert Ptaszek (42/five starts) and the experienced German driver Armin Kremer (40/three starts), all of whom are behind the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5. The other two ŠKODA works drivers are also in the top ten: Jan Kopecký (19/two starts) is in eighth and Esapekka Lappi (17/two starts) is in tenth place. Each driver can select seven rallies from the season to score points in the WRC 2 overall standings.

… ŠKODA Motorsport is also challenging for the title in the WRC 2 team championship? Although the team from Mladá Boleslav has only started in three world championship rallies so far, it already has 61 points to its name. First place is currently held by M-Sport, with 73 points from four rallies.

… eight ŠKODA FABIA R5s will be starting in the WRC 2 category of the rally, as was also the case at the Rally Italy? In addition to the works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Esapekka Lappi, ŠKODA customers Hubert Ptaszek, Teemu Suninen, Nicolás Fuchs, Armin Kremer, Julien Maurin (F) and Scott Pedder (AUS) will be competing for valuable points in the WRC 2 title race, in the turbo all-wheel drive car from ŠKODA.

… the “flying Finn” Esapekka Lappi was the fastest man in the WRC 2 class on the second stage of last year’s rally “Gorklo” – recording a spectacular average speed of 126.45 km/h on the second special stage “Gorklo”? The Rally Poland, and the Rally Finland that follows it, are the fastest rallies on the world championship calendar. Drivers need to be at full throttle, but must also drive carefully: they can cut a lot of corners but the high grass often conceals dangerous stones.

… only four special stages will be exactly the same as last year: Mikołajki Arena, Gołdap, Świętajno and Wieliczki? All other stages have had at least some modification and 33 percent are new, compared to last year. The changes were made with the goal of making the rally safer and more attractive for drivers and fans. Overall, the drivers have to complete 306.10 kilometres across 21 stages.

… the rally takes place among the Masurian Lakes? There are thousands of lakes in Masuria, and the undisturbed landscape of Poland’s largest lake district has made it one of the top tourist attractions in the whole country. The service area for the Rally Poland is in Mikołajki, which has around 4,000 inhabitants and is the best-known town in the region.

[Karlheinz]

Kopecký entering ŠKODA home rally in black FABIA R5

​› 43rd Rally Bohemia: ŠKODA Motorsport marks 35th anniversary of a cult Czechoslovakian film with special paintwork
› Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler plan to remain unbeaten in fourth event of current Czech Rally Championship (MČR) season
› German duo Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian also lining up for the race, supported by ŠKODA Motorsport
› Michal Hrabánek: ‘We’re looking forward to the highlight of the Czech Rally Championship’

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 June 2016 – A spectacular show at the 43rd Rally Bohemia: serial winner Jan Kopecký is to compete in ŠKODA’s home race in a black FABIA R5. The vehicle’s special paintwork is to mark the 35th anniversary of the cult Czechoslovakian film Ferat Vampire. The ŠKODA duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) intend to remain unbeaten in this year’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR) when they tackle the fourth event of the season in their black high-tech vehicle on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a guest appearance in the Czech championship from the German pair Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian, supported by ŠKODA Motorsport.

„We’re looking forward to the highlight of the Czech Rally Championship! Rally Bohemia has always been especially important to the ŠKODA brand because it is held right on its doorstep in Mladá Boleslav. Following a hat-trick of wins in the first three events of the season, we hope to extend our run of success and treat all the ŠKODA staff and the fans to a good show,“ says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. And the black ŠKODA FABIA R5 driven by the commanding championship front-runner Jan Kopecký will be a real eye-catcher over the eight special stages covering a distance of 153.28 kilometres.

The livery of the turbocharged four-wheel drive vehicle is a nod to the legendary ŠKODA 110 SUPER SPORT (Ferat), which achieved cult status in what was then Czechoslovakia thanks to the film Ferat Vampire. The black supercar prototype was designed by the Czech artist Theodor Pištěk, who went on to win an Oscar for best costume design in the box office hit Amadeus. ŠKODA is marking the 35th anniversary of the release of the horror science fiction film Ferat Vampire with its black FABIA R5. The successful rally vehicle and the ŠKODA 110 SUPER SPORT (Ferat) are both on display at the ŠKODA Museum during Rally Bohemia.

„This is a great move. I think our black ŠKODA FABIA R5 will offer the fans a unique motif for photos. But for us, the focus is on being just as successful in Rally Bohemia as we have been so far and on extending our lead in the Czech championship. A fourth win of the season is what we’re aiming at,“ says Jan Kopecký. If he wins the rally, the experienced 34-year-old would achieve the feat of making it his fourth consecutive win in ŠKODA’s home rally, adding to his hat-trick of wins from 2013 to 2015. ŠKODA remains unbeaten at Rally Bohemia since 2009.

Also being supported by ŠKODA Motorsport, the German youngster Fabian Kreim will make his Czech Rally Championship debut at Rally Bohemia. He will be behind the wheel of a FABIA R5 provided by the team of the Czech rally legend Roman Kresta. On the same weekend as Rally Bohemia, the ŠKODA duos Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) and Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will be competing in the other FABIA R5 vehicles belonging to ŠKODA Motorsport in Rally Poland, which is part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

‘I’ve had some pretty eventful weeks, starting with the International Rally of Queensland in Australia, then the Stemweder Berg Rally at home, and now Rally Bohemia. But ŠKODA’s home rally will undoubtedly be the highlight, and I look forward to seeing lots of fans in the Czech Republic,’ says Kreim.

The rally fans can look forward to quite a special programme in the ŠKODA park. As is customary at the Czech Rally Championship, there will be the opportunity to win a ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 for a year. There will also be special activities at the ŠKODA Museum to mark the anniversary of the cult film Ferat Vampire.

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 …

... that Dagmar Veškrnová-Havlová has a leading role in the film Ferat Vampire? She is the widow of the former Czech president Václav Havel, who died in 2011. The cult film was made at the Barrandov film studios in Prague and was directed by Juraj Herz.
… that various special goings-on are planned during Rally Bohemia to mark the film’s 35th anniversary? Among other things the film itself will be shown at 19:00 on Friday, ahead of the start of the rally.
… that a total of five ŠKODA FABIA R5 vehicles are in the list of starters for this year’s Rally Bohemia? The ŠKODA customers Vojtěch Štajf (CZ), Jan Sýkora (CZ) and Karel Trojan (CZ) are lined up to compete in the Czech brand’s very latest rally vehicle, in addition to Jan Kopecký and Fabian Kreim.
... that the longest stage of Rally Bohemia is 32.28 kilometres long? The Radostin stage will be completed twice on the Sunday.
... that ŠKODA has now racked up six consecutive wins in Rally Bohemia? Juho Hänninen of Finland won in the FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2009 and 2010, followed by Freddy Loix of Belgium in 2011. There was no official end result in 2012, but ŠKODA driver Jan Kopecký subsequently won the rally in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
... that Rally Bohemia was originally called Rally ŠKODA from its inaugural year in 1974 until 1985? The Czech automotive brand initiated the rally to test the quality and endurance of its models under extreme conditions. The first rally held 40 years ago was an impressive 1,800 kilometres long, with the special stages taking place all over what was then Czechoslovakia. 152 teams entered the rally, 72 of which came from abroad.
… that Rally Bohemia was part of the European Rally Championship and the European Rally Cup for many years? The current ŠKODA driver Jan Kopecký scored three victories in total, in 2004, 2005 and 2013.
... that, in addition to Mladá Boleslav being where the ŠKODA headquarters are based, there is a tower nearby with a lean similar to that of the tower in Pisa? The iconic tower, which is part of the ruins of Castle Michalovice, is said to lean due to treasure hunters disrupting the foundations.

[Karlheinz]

Anniversary of Speed: 115 Years of ŠKODA Motorsport

​› First chapter in ŠKODA’s fascinating motorsport history written 115 years ago
› On a single-cylinder Laurin & Klement, motorcyclist Narcis Podsedníček finished first in the Paris-Berlin on 30 June, 1901
› ŠKODA FABIA R5 builds on success of predecessors

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 June 2016 – The cornerstone of ŠKODA’s successful involvement in motor racing was laid 115 years ago. On 30 June Narcis Podsedníček took the number-one position in the demanding race from Paris to Berlin with his Laurin & Klement motorcycle; the brand from Mladá Boleslav claimed success in their very first race.

“ŠKODA is proud of its long motorsport tradition and of the champions at the wheel and handlebars – champions like Narcis Podsedníček,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “Since 1901, the brand from Mladá Boleslav has taken part in many races and rallies that have brought us and our fans much joy. However, there have also been some challenging moments in ŠKODA’s motorsport history that we have had to overcome. We want to effectively build on the legacy of the motorsport pioneers. Our drivers’ winning streak with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 over the last few months makes this anniversary even more special.”

Being the most experienced rider, Narcis Podsedníček (1866-1932) was selected for the Mladá Boleslav brand’s racing debut at the biggest motorsport event of the time: the Paris-Berlin race. On the single-cylinder Laurin & Klement motorcycle, Podsedníček was one of the ten drivers who competed in the category of motorcycles and motorized tricycles. Arriving at the finishing line unexpectedly early on 30 June 1901, a policeman was the only one to witness Podsedníček complete the race at 3 am. As the official time keepers were not present to record his victory, he had to settle for a ‘moral victory’ as four French riders on De Dion-Bouton tricycles took the podium. His performance, however, laid the foundation for the Laurin & Klement brand’s and later the ŠKODA brand’s future involvement in motor racing.

“Narcis Podsedníček was among the most important personalities connected to the first 30 years of Laurin & Klement’s development,” explains Andrea Frydlová, Head of the ŠKODA Museum. “At first he was involved in building a strong brand as a regional representative, later Podsedníček took over the post of production chief. He was among the first to race the Laurin & Klement motorcycles,” says Frydlová.

From 1905, Laurin & Klement automobiles began to build on the motorcycles’ success. In addition to repeat victories in mountain races and endurance competitions, the four-cylinder Laurin & Klement FCS with an output of 95 hp also set a speed record of 118.72 km/h at Brooklands, UK, in 1908.

The then new generation of ŠKODA vehicles with backbone chassis were setting the pace of automotive development in the inter-war period. In January 1936, the ŠKODA POPULAR roadster successfully completed the demanding Monte Carlo Rally; the excellent results were repeated a year later with the ŠKODA RAPID coupé. Following the Second World War, the then basic model – ŠKODA 1101 – prevailed on the circuit in Spa with Czech and foreign drivers. The vehicle even fared well in the Monte Carlo Rally and the Tour d'Europe. This was followed by many more models. In 1959 the first generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA picked up the baton.

The ŠKODA 1000 MB began a new chapter in 1964 with its rear engine and unibody construction. Its successors brought the Norwegian ŠKODA representative John Haugland considerable success. The legendary ŠKODA 130 RS won in its class among others in the Monte Carlo Rally and the Rally Acropolis (1977). In addition, the ŠKODA 130 RS took the overall victory in the manufacturers’ championship in the European Touring Car Championship (1981). Haugland’s greatest success came at the wheel of the ŠKODA 130 LR. In this context, his class victory in the fiercely competitive RAC Rally (1985 and 1986) was particularly impressive.

ŠKODA’s new motorsport era began with the ŠKODA FAVORIT hatchback in the Monte Carlo Rally. Driver team Pavel Sibera/Petr Gross took four consecutive wins with the ŠKODA FAVORIT (1991–1994) in the F2 class. As a brand, ŠKODA won the FIA Cup in the F2 class among others. The successor in the FAVORIT series was the FELICIA Kit-Car; behind the wheel Stig Blomqvist took third place overall in the RAC Rally in 1996.

Around the time the OCTAVIA Kit-Car made its debut, the brand entered vehicles in the highest WRC category in the world championships. 2001 came in third position with the OCTAVIA WRC in the hard Safari Rally. Its successor model, the FABIA WRC also performed well.

The best performance in the international and national championships, however, was from the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 – so far, the most successful model in ŠKODA’s 115-year history in motorsport. The duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) achieved a historic success with the four-wheel drive from Mladá Boleslav – as the first driver team in history to win, the championship title in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and FIA Asia -Pacific rally Championship (APRC) for two consecutive years. Between 2009 and 2014, the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 drivers took home a total of 50 national and international titles.

In 2015 ŠKODA Motorsport celebrated four victories in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with their current rally car, the ŠKODA Fabia R5. The all-wheel drive vehicle, equipped with the latest technology, received approval from the International Automobile Federation FIA on 1 April 2015. In the very first season with the new ŠKODA Fabia R5, driver team Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) secured the fourth APRC championship title in a row for ŠKODA. The model also earned the team five national wins in 2015.

Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler and Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm (FIN / FIN) compete ,. This year, the driver teams Tidemand/Jonas Andersson, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler and Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will be competing in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with the ŠKODA Fabia R5 for the ŠKODA Motorsport team. The duos build on ŠKODA’s 115-year motorsport tradition.

[Karlheinz]

Thrilling sizzling battle in Poland: Lappi takes the lead in the ŠKODA duel

​› ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm head into the final day of the Rally Poland with a 10.8 second lead over colleagues Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula
› Five ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the top eight at one of the fastest events in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› 59.60 kilometres left to go at the full throttle show
› Last year's winner Lappi: "It's not over yet: Suninen is very fast"

​Mikolajki, 2 July 2016 – Last year's winner Esapekka Lappi kept a cool head at the sizzling battle in Poland and took the leading position in the WRC 2 in the ŠKODA duel. However, the "Flying Finns" Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm head into the final day of the Rally Poland with a minimal lead of 10.8 seconds over their colleagues Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN). The winner will be decided over the final 59.60 classified kilometres on Sunday at the full throttle event on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) calendar.

"It was a good day for us. We only made one minor error at an intersection. We tried everything and it paid off. But it's not over yet: Suninen is very fast. Sunday will be really difficult," said Lappi. The blond was commanding as he celebrated the historic first win in the new ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Rally Poland last year. In glorious sunshine and with temperatures over 30 degrees, it is a lot closer this weekend.

ŠKODA works driver Lappi started the race on Saturday trailing Suninen by 4.6 seconds. In a wise tactical move, Lappi held back slightly on the first passes of the special stages "Goldap", "Stanczyki" and "Babki". The current WRC 2 championship leader Elfyn Evans (GB/Ford), who in third place had, at one point, closed to within 14.8 seconds of the leaders, consistently set the best times.

But then in the afternoon Lappi completed the second pass of the three stages at full throttle in his ŠKODA FABIA R5. With a magnificent best time on the 14th special stage overall, " Stanczyki 2", the 25-year-old took the lead for the first time in the ŠKODA duel with his fellow countryman Suninen and, with another two best times, extended his lead to a total of 10.8 seconds. Evans is lurking in third place with a deficit of 26.6 seconds and should not be written off yet going into the final four special stages on Sunday. "It was a magnificent battle at the highest level throughout the day. Sunday will be difficult, but we will try our best to win," promised the ŠKODA FABIA R5 driver Suninen.

The second ŠKODA works team Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S), who were in the lead until the penultimate stage on Friday when a problem ended their day, returned to the rally on Saturday. With strong times the duo worked their way back up into 13th place in the overall standings. "We are no longer able to get involved in the gripping ŠKODA duel for the win. Which is why we are using the rest of the rally to gain experience for the upcoming Rally Finland," said Tidemand.
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 proved to be the "full throttle champion" of the WRC 2 again on Saturday. In the overall standings, five of the Czech rally racers are in the top eight. In addition to front-runner Lappi and second-placed Suninen, Nicolás Fuchs (PE/fifth), Armin Kremer (D/seventh) and Scott Pedder (AUS/eighth) are also on their way to a strong result.

Interim standings - Rally Poland (WRC 2):
1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 2:09:36.3 hrs.
2. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 0:10.8 min.
3. Evans/Parry (GB/GB); Ford Fiesta R5; + 0:26.6 min.
4. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/F); Citroën DS3 R5; + 4:30.6 min.
5. Fuchs/Mussano (PE/RA); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 5:04.5 min.
The number of the day for the Rally Poland: 121.48
ŠKODA works driver Esapekka Lappi achieved the fastest average speed in the WRC 2 on the second pass of the special stage "Babki" on Saturday. The 25-year-old took just 10:22.9 minutes to complete the 21.02-kilometre stage. That is an average speed of 121.48 kilometres per hour – a strong performance on the dusty gravel tracks in the lakes region of Masuria. The Rally Poland, along with the following Rally Finland, is the fastest stop on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar.

 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]

WRC 2: Suninen gives ŠKODA its fifth consecutive win

​› FABIA R5 drivers Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula win dramatic three-way battle
› Win slips through fingers of works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm due to flat tyre in penultimate stage, putting them in third place in high-octane show in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
› Michal Hrabánek: „Rally Poland was excellent advertising for WRC 2“

​Mikołajki, 3 July 2016 – Intense heat and dust followed by rain and mud, with plenty of drama throughout: the FABIA R5 duo Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula overcame all these challenges to reap ŠKODA its fifth consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). The two Finns benefited from a puncture suffered by ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN), who were engaged in a three-way battle for victory and were in the lead until the penultimate stage. Last year’s winners ultimately finished in third place in the high-octane show over a distance of 306.10 kilometres. The second ŠKODA Motorsport duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) made good a number of positions to finish in seventh place.

​„Changeable weather and track conditions, high speed and a thrilling three-way battle for the win – Rally Poland really was excellent advertising for WRC 2. Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm were on course for victory until they ran into some tyre trouble. Congratulations to Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula, who have extended ŠKODA’s string of successes in WRC 2,“ commented ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. „We scored our historic first win in WRC 2 with our FABIA R5 here in Poland exactly a year ago. This year, no less than eight drivers placed their trust in our four-wheel drive vehicles, four of whom finished among the top eight. This demonstrates that we are on the right track, and we must systematically continue to pursue this course,’ he added

The rally proceedings on gravel tracks in the picturesque Masurian Lake District were hard to beat in terms of excitement. On Friday, the ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson initially took the lead, but were temporarily stopped in their tracks by a problem. A three-way battle for the rally win then developed among the two ŠKODA FABIA R5 drivers Esapekka Lappi and Teemu Suninen and Elfyn Evans (GB/Ford). Suninen was out in front on Friday evening, but Lappi mastered Saturday’s intense temperatures and dusty tracks to go into the lead.

The outdoor conditions had then changed completely on the final day as he tackled the final four special stages with a lead of 10.8 seconds over Suninen. After heavy rainfall, the routes were muddy and the temperature had dropped by almost 15 degrees. Lappi initially defended his lead over Evans and Suninen during the first two stages of the final day. However, like Evans, Lappi then experienced a puncture during the penultimate stage, Baranowo 2, and subsequently lost almost two minutes – clearing the way for Suninen to score his third win of the season.

„I tried to keep going at first, but we did then have to stop and change a tyre. The change went very quickly thanks to our ŠKODA training. It’s still frustrating to be brought to a standstill when you’re so close to potentially winning – but that’s part and parcel of rally driving. Congratulations to Teemu Suninen, who was really fast and who is a worthy winner,“ commented Lappi.

Suninen achieved the fifth consecutive WRC 2 win for a ŠKODA FABIA R5. The talented 22-year-old rally driver initiated the string of successes in Rally Mexico. This was followed by Nicolás Fuchs of Peru being unbeatable in the fast and reliable four-wheel drive vehicle from Mladá Boleslav during Rally Argentina. Works driver Pontus Tidemand won Rally Portugal, before Suninen clinched his second win in Rally Italy.

After seven out of 14 season events, the overall WRC 2 rankings are about as exciting as Rally Poland proved to be. With half of the season completed, Elfyn Evans is in the lead (80 points/five appearances), but there are several ŠKODA FABIA R5 drivers hot on his heels who are still in with a strong chance of clinching the title. Teemu Suninen is in second place (75 points/four appearances), ahead of Nicolás Fuchs (59 points/five appearances). ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand then follows in fourth place (49 points/three appearances). Esapekka Lappi has made three appearances and has picked up 32 points in total. In 2016, each of the drivers can pick up points towards winning the WRC 2 title in seven events, with their top six results then counting.

The two ŠKODA works drivers Lappi and Tidemand will have the opportunity to score some more points at the next WRC event in Finland from 28 to 31 July. And Esapekka Lappi hopes to then repeat his 2015 performance by winning his home rally.

Final result of the Rally Poland (WRC 2):
1. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN);ŠKODA FABIA R5: 2:43:27.7 hrs
2. Evans/Parry (GB/GB);Ford Fiesta R5: + 0:49.6 min
3. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN);ŠKODA FABIA: + 2:32.7 min
4. Kajetanowicz/Baran (PL/PL);Ford Fiesta R5: + 6:32.8 min
5. Koltun/Pleskot (PL/PL);Ford Fiesta R5: + 10:36.4 min


The number for the Rally Poland: 20

A ŠKODA FABIA R5 driver was on the top of the WRC 2 rankings after 20 of the 21 stages in Rally Poland. Karl Kruuda (EST/Ford) was in the lead after the opening stage, but it was subsequently the high-tech four-wheel drive vehicles from the Czech Republic that took control. ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand was the WRC 2 front-runner from stage two to stage eight, but was replaced by Teemu Suninen over stages nine to 13. From stage 14, Stanczyki 2, it was the second ŠKODA works driver Esapekka Lappi who was at the top of the leader board – but he suffered a setback in the penultimate stage due to a flat tyre. This allowed Teemu Suninen to reclaim the top spot during stage 20, Baranowo 2, and to win the rally for ŠKODA.


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]

Record chaser Kopecký scores celebrated ŠKODA home win in black FABIA R5

› Works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler score fourth consecutive win in Rally Bohemia held in vicinity of ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav
› Special black paintwork a hit not only with the fans lining the course – nod to cult Czechoslovakian film a huge success
› Kopecký/Dresler well on course to defend their title in Czech Rally Championship (MČR) after fourth win in fourth event of the season
› Michal Hrabánek: „A successful rally weekend for ŠKODA“

Mladá Boleslav, 3 July 2016 – Record chaser Jan Kopecký (CZ) scored a celebrated victory in his spectacular black FABIA R5 in ŠKODA’s home event. Together with co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) the 34-year-old won Rally Bohemia, which takes place in the vicinity of the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, for the fourth consecutive time. The confident works duo therefore remained unbeaten again in the fourth event of the current Czech Rally Championship (MČR) season and are well on course to defend their championship title. Approximately an hour earlier, the FABIA R5 drivers Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN) triumphed in Rally Poland taking place around 600 kilometres away, thereby giving ŠKODA its fifth consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

​„It really has been a successful rally weekend for ŠKODA. Well done to the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team for having masterfully handled the added strain of competing in two such important rallies,“ said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek in summary. „Once again, Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler demonstrated that they are the epitome of reliability. The special one-off black paintwork of our ŠKODA FABIA R5 was also a great success. The thousands of fans who attended our home event were highly impressed.“

The black rally vehicle was indeed a real eye-catcher on the tracks and at the Rally Bohemia service park. The livery of the turbocharged four-wheel drive vehicle was a nod to the legendary ŠKODA 110 SUPER SPORT (Ferat), which achieved cult status in what was then Czechoslovakia thanks to the film Ferat Vampire. ŠKODA marked the 35th anniversary of the release of the horror science fiction film with the black FABIA R5, with a screening of the film, with a major exhibition at the museum and, of course, with Jan Kopecký’s spectacular rally show on the asphalt tracks lined by thousands of fans.

The experienced ŠKODA driver took the lead after the second special stage and continuously extended his lead with excellent fastest times on the asphalt tracks, which were slippery following rain. At the end of a good 150 special stage kilometres, Kopecký had a lead of 1:00.4 minutes over his arch-rival Václav Pech (CZ). It was the sixth Rally Bohemia win for Kopecký after wins in 2004, 2005, 2013, 2014 and 2015, bringing him closer to record holder Roman Kresta (CZ). Kopecký has won all nine races in which he has appeared in the new FABIA R5 in the Czech championship in 2015 and 2016. ŠKODA also remains unbeaten at Rally Bohemia since 2009.

“A win in ŠKODA’s home event has always been especially important to us. The conditions were challenging on the slippery tracks, but we maintained control. It was great to see up close just how impressed the fans were by our black FABIA R5,” commented Kopecký. German youngster Fabian Kreim, who made his Czech Rally Championship debut with the support of ŠKODA Motorsport, likewise put in a strong performance. He was on course for a podium position on the first day, but was then set back by a flat tyre and ultimately came seventh.

The ŠKODA Park was once again a big success, in spite of the poor weather. The special activities marking the anniversary of the cult film Ferat Vampire proved to be especially popular.

Rally Bohemia – final result
1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ);ŠKODA FABIA R5: 1:32:35.3 hrs 
2. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ);Porsche 997 GT3: + 1:00.4 min
3. Vlček/Žáková (CZ/CZ); Ford Fiesta R5: + 2:06.7 min
4. Štajf/Rajnoha (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 2:27.9 min
5. Jakeš/Ehlová (CZ/CZ); Citroën DS3 R5: + 3:06.8 min

The number for Rally Bohemia: 8

In its 43rd year, the winner of the traditional Rally Bohemia was decided over the minimum number of special stages, eight – a format criticised by Jan Kopecký among others. The experienced driver nonetheless won five of the eight special stages in his black ŠKODA FABIA R5. Václav Pech of Porsche only held the lead after the first special stage – after which Jan Kopecký dominated his home event.

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]

Rally Finland: ŠKODA is ready for “Formula 1 in the forest”

​› Last year’s winners Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm and Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson in action for the ŠKODA Motorsport works team
› A total of seven ŠKODA FABIA R5 will compete in the eighth round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) season – Home event for Lappi and Suninen
› Five recent ŠKODA wins in a row in the WRC 2
› Michal Hrabánek: “Rallying encounters a level of enthusiasm in Finland not found in many other countries”

​Mladá Boleslav, 26 July 2016 – ŠKODA starts the second part of the “high-speed summer” in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with a tailwind. A good three weeks after Rally Poland, Rally Finland is the next ultra-fast gravel rally on the calendar as of Thursday. After five recent ŠKODA WRC 2 wins in a row, the Finnish ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in particular are looking forward to their home rally, which they won in the FABIA R5 last year. The Swedes Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson, winners of the Rally Portugal in May, will also compete for ŠKODA Motorsport in a FABIA R5.

​“Rallying encounters a level of enthusiasm in Finland not found in many other countries,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “Here, rally is the national sport, which is proven by the never-ending flow of talented youngsters aiming to make it in the WRC year after year. In Esapekka Lappi we have one of the best local heroes in our ranks, as has been proven, and Pontus Tidemand as a Swede also always feels right at home in Finland. We have also already proved that the FABIA R5 is among the absolute best in the WRC 2 class on the speedy gravel tracks. This is also shown by the recent win in Poland, or last year’s win in Finland. So we are optimistic that the ŠKODA run of success will continue at the Rally Finland and we will be able to show the knowledgeable Finnish crowd the FABIA R5 from its best side.”

The rally route in Finland covers 333.6 classified kilometres, spread across 24 special stages between Thursday evening and Sunday lunchtime. Long full-throttle passages on mostly fine gravel tracks through the forests around the city of Jyväskylä are typical of this rally. Terrain that works driver Lappi is very familiar with – and enjoys. “Rallying here is more fun than anywhere else,” said the 25-year-old Finn. “Now we want to go on full attack at the Rally Finland and repeat our victory from last year.”

Thanks to two third places in Sweden and Poland and ninth place on Sardinia, Lappi is now ranked seventh overall in the WRC 2 category of the championship. ŠKODA team-mate Tidemand is currently placed slightly higher in the overall rankings. The win in Portugal, second place at his home rally in Sweden and the recent seventh place at the Rally Poland see him in fourth place in the championship. “I would like to reduce the deficit to the leaders of the championship again in Finland, but that will be far from easy,” said Tidemand. “You can’t afford to make any mistakes here, since it is almost impossible to make up significant losses of time on these incredibly fast tracks. And the competition will be strong once again. Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen were on top form last time around and I expect them to be strong again in this rally.”

Each of the last five WRC 2 rallies were won by a driver in the high-tech four-wheel drive FABIA R5. At the Rally Italy in June and the Rally Poland in July, the 23-year-old Finn Teemu Suninen was victorious, who also started the run of success at the Rally Mexico. At the Rally Argentina, Nicolás Fuchs (PE) in the speedy and reliable four-wheel drive from Mladá Boleslav was unbeatable. At the Rally Portugal, works driver Tidemand celebrated at the top of the winner's podium.


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


Did you know that …

… the ŠKODA works drivers Esapekka Lappi and Pontus Tidemand clinched a one-two result in the FABIA R5 at the Rally Finland last year? Exactly one year ago, Lappi and co-driver Janne Ferm were victorious over ŠKODA Motorsport team-mates Tidemand and Emil Axelsson (S).

… Esapekka Lappi will contest his home rally in Finland for the fifth time this year? The Finn made his debut at the age of 20 in 2011, and finished in twelfth place in the R2 class classification alongside his co-driver Janne Ferm.

… ŠKODA celebrated success with the FABIA SUPER 2000 at the Rally Finland? The Finnish duo Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula won the SWRC class at the rally around Jyväskylä in 2010 and 2011. Hänninen/Markkula even headed a one-two-three result for ŠKODA in 2010, with the Swedes Per-Gunnar Andersson/Anders Fredriksson and Patrick Sandell/Emil Axelsson in second and third place. Mikko Markkula is now the co-driver of ŠKODA driver Teemu Suninen (FIN).

… the Rally Finland was held for the first time in 1951, to determine which Finnish drivers would compete at the Rally Monte Carlo? Since the World Rally Championship was introduced in 1973, the Rally Finland has been a permanent fixture on the WRC calendar – with one exception: The Rally Finland was part of the FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup in 1995.

… ŠKODA has six drivers in the top seven of the overall standings in the WRC 2? After seven of 14 rounds of the season, Teemu Suninen (75/four starts), Nicolás Fuchs (59/five starts), works driver Pontus Tidemand (49/three starts), Hubert Ptaszek (42/six starts), experienced German Armin Kremer (40/four starts) and works driver Esapekka Lappi (32/three starts) make it six drivers in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 lying in wait behind the leader, Britain’s Elfyn Evans (80 points from five starts to date). The third ŠKODA work's driver Jan Kopecký (19/two starts) is tenth. Each driver can pick up points for the overall standings of the WRC 2 classification in seven selected rallies during the course of the year, with the six best results used for the classification.

… ŠKODA Motorsport is also fighting for the title in the team standings of the WRC 2? Even though the team from Mladá Boleslav has only competed in four WRC rallies to date, they have already bagged 76 points. With 91 points from five rallies, M-Sport is currently still in first place.

… the Rally Finland will be contested by a total of eight ŠKODA rally cars? In addition to the two works cars of Tidemand and Lappi, WRC 2 shooting star Teemu Suninen will once again compete in a ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 category. ŠKODA customers Hubert Ptaszek (PL) and Scott Pedder (AUS) have also registered. Local hero Joonas Soilu (FIN) will race in a ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 at his home rally. The Finns Jukka Metsälä and Kari Hytönen will each compete in a FABIA R5, but without being registered for the WRC 2 class.

… the Rally Finland is also jokingly referred to as the “Grand Prix of Finland”? The rallying in the Finnish forests with its many, long, full-throttle passages is very similar to Formula 1. Along with the Rally Poland, the Rally Finland is regarded as the fastest on the WRC calendar; nine of the ten fastest WRC events of all time have taken place in Finland.

… 43 percent of this year‘s rally route is new compared with last year? The special stage Lempäa was last on the route map in 1999. The special stage Oittila was last driven in 1994, but back then it was called Mutanen.

… the rally centre of Jyväskylä with its 137,327 inhabitants is the seventh largest city in Finland? Jyväskylä was founded in 1837, has been a university city since 1966, and is also the capital of the region of Central Finland. Around a quarter of the inhabitants are students.

… Jyväskylä is not only the home of famous rally drivers such as Tommi Mäkinnen (four-time World Rally Champion) and Henri Toivonen? Famous winter sports athletes such as ski jumpers Matti Nykänen (four-time Olympic champion), Jani Soininen (Olympic champion) and Risto Jussilainen (Junior world champion) also come from Jyväskylä. The NHL stars Sami Vatanen and Olli Määttä were also born in Jyväskylä.

[Karlheinz]

Victory at festival of speed in Finland: Lappi/Ferm extend winning sequence for ŠKODA

​› Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm repeat last year’s victorious performance at their home rally in Finland
› Sixth consecutive ŠKODA win in the WRC 2
› Two ŠKODA FABIA R5s in first two places
› Michal Hrabánek: “A perfect performance from the entire team”

​Jyväskylä, 31 July 2016 – Great success for ŠKODA at the Rally Finland. ŠKODA drivers dominated proceedings in the WRC 2 class at the festival of speed in the forests of central Finland, the fastest rally on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) calendar. The “flying Finns” Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm repeated last year’s victory in the FABIA R5. In second place: their ŠKODA brand team-mates Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN), who competed in a FABIA R5 from the ŠKODA customer sport programme. The second ŠKODA Motorsport duo of Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) retired from the rally during the final special stage after impressive efforts to catch up.

​“At the Rally Finland, we saw a perfect performance from the entire ŠKODA team once again,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “I am particularly pleased for Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm, who were on a different level in their home rally and more than deserved their first win of the season. Of course I sympathise with Pontus and Jonas, who gave their all trying to chase second place and were punished harshly just before the end. However: two ŠKODA FABIA R5s in the first two places, a total of four ŠKODA teams in the Top 10, and ŠKODA drivers won 20 of 23 special stages. The FABIA R5 has really made its mark on the Rally Finland.”

Lappi laid the foundations for victory on Thursday and Friday. The 25-year-old Finn won the first seven special stages to put some distance between himself and the chasing pack early on. Lappi cemented his lead with five stage best times during the remainder of the rally, including a win on the legendary “Ouninpohja” stage at full speed over countless crests. “I am absolutely delighted,” said Lappi. “It was a perfect weekend for us. It is something special to be able to celebrate our first win of the season at our home rally, especially as we led from start to finish. The FABIA R5 performed perfectly. On these wonderful stages, it was great fun to drive such a well-balanced car on the limit. I feel really sorry for Pontus and Jonas. They pushed and pushed on Sunday to try and claim the one-two for ŠKODA Motorsport. Sadly, they were not rewarded for the risks they took.”

In many respects, team-mate Tidemand was the man of the day at the Rally Finland. The 25-year-old Swedish driver started the final day 11.1 seconds behind second-placed Suninen. Tidemand recorded the best time in the first three special stages on Sunday morning to reduce the gap to 3.8 seconds. However, an accident on the last stage of the rally brought the chase to an abrupt end. “Before the last stage, we said that we would try everything in our power to catch Teemu,” said Tidemand. “But when you take such big risks, there is always a chance that it can go wrong – especially on the fast gravel stages in Finland. I am sorry for the team, who provided us with a perfect car once again this weekend. I was really hoping to claim the one-two result for ŠKODA Motorsport.”

Suninen was the one to profit from Tidemand’s misfortune, finishing safely in second place and reducing the gap to world championship leader Elfyn Evans (GB, Ford, 95 points) to two points in the WRC 2 overall standings. Lappi’s win moved him up to fourth place (57 points) in the world championship standings. Two more ŠKODA customer teams completed the great set of results. Hubert Ptaszek/Maciek Szczepaniak (PL/PL) and Scott Pedder/Dale Moscatt (AUS/AUS) also finished in the Top 10 of the WRC 2 standings in Finland, in seventh and eighth position respectively.

The next world championship rally is scheduled to take place in less than three weeks. The hunt for world championship points will take place in the vineyards around Trier when the Rally Germany takes place from 18th to 21th August.

Rally Finland result (WRC 2):

1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5: 2h 42m 59,6s
2. Suninen/Markkula (FIN/FIN);  ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 41.7s
3. Evans/Parry (GB/GB); Ford Fiesta R5: + 2m 1.8s
4. Solberg/Minor (N/A); Ford Fiesta R5​ + 5m 58.1s
5. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/F); Citroën DS3 R5: + 6m 0.6s
6. Aasen/Engan (N/N ); Ford Fiesta R5:+ 7m 4.3s
7. Ptaszek/Szczepaniak (PL/PL);  ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 7m 23.5s
8. Pedder/Moscatt (AUS/AUS); ŠKODA FABIA R5: + 7m 33.5s
9. Bonato/Giraudet (F/F); Citroën DS3 R5: + 7m 48.4s
10. Shaymiev/Tsvetkov (RUS/RUS);  Ford Fiesta R5: + 14m 42.3s

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA optimistic ahead of the “desert rally” in the core market of China

​› Third round of this year's FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) from Friday to Sunday at the “China Rally Zhangye”
› ŠKODA duo Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian eager to go on the attack at the first APRC race in a desert region after two second places
› Hat-trick of wins in sight: Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall want to extend their leading position in the overall standings in the ŠKODA FABIA R5
› Michal Hrabánek: “The Chinese market is paramount for the ŠKODA brand”

​Mladá Boleslav, 2 August 2016 – ŠKODA are keen to keep to winning ways in the core market of China in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Which is why ŠKODA duo Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D), front-runners in the German Rally Championship (DRM), are not competing in the national championship at the Wartburg Rally and will contest the "China Rally Zhangye" in the Middle Kingdom from Friday to Sunday instead. Also in action for the ŠKODA MRF team at the “desert rally” in the Chinese province of Gansu: This season's unbeaten duo, Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS), who are after a hat-trick of wins in the APRC.

​“The Chinese market is paramount for the ŠKODA brand. So it is no surprise that we want to show our best side there and aim for the win,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek, and added: “The ŠKODA drivers are doing a fantastic job this season and I am sure that they will be up there right at the front again in China. It will be far from easy since the event is completely new territory for us as the location has changed compared with the APRC rallies in previous years in China.” This is the first time that the prestigious continental championship has a rally in a desert region in store for the ŠKODA team.

In previous years, the APRC Rally China was held in Longyou, in the province of Zhejiang around 400 kilometres away from the metropolis of Shanghai, but this season the organizers switched the location to the north of the People's Republic, to Zhangye in the province of Gansu. There will be a total of nine special stages, over which the drivers and co-drivers must complete 235.45 kilometres on the gravel tracks.

A new challenge for the experienced ŠKODA MRF team. But the ŠKODA Fabia R5's season tally to date is positive and speaks for itself: Two races, two one-two results – you can't do better than that.

Together with co-driver Glenn Macneall, Gaurav Gill won both times, so the Indian's interim conclusion is correspondingly positive: “The season couldn't have gotten off to a better start for me. The two wins mean I have given myself a slight buffer in the championship, but I can't rest on that since the competition is strong, particularly in my own ranks.”

He means Fabian Kreim, who in second place in the overall standings of the APRC with 61 points behind Gill (77) is still in with a good chance of the title. The German who is contesting the APRC for the first time this season was convincing in the first two rallies, finishing second both times. And on gravel – a surface on which the 23-year-old had never contested a rally before. “I have already learned a great deal so far this season and am pleased with my development. As a newcomer, to be second in the championship after two rallies is fantastic,” said Kreim. In addition to the APRC, he also contests the DRM – also with the ŠKODA Fabia R5 and also extremely successfully. With his win at the Thuringia rally in mid-July, Kreim extended his lead in the overall classification of the German championship further.

For the ŠKODA junior driver, the event in the Far East is also a trial run for the WRC in Germany (18 to 21 August), where Kreim will compete with the world's elite in rallying. The ŠKODA Motorsport team will contest the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) there. Then the team will also travel to China: The WRC event in ŠKODA's core market of China takes place from 8 to 11 September.


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 Zhangye – 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 that …

... the ŠKODA Fabia R5 is unbeaten in this season of the APRC? Two rallies, two wins – that's the new rally car's perfect haul.

... ŠKODA has been victorious in the last three editions in the APRC classification at the continental championship race in China? Esapekka Lappi (FIN) won in 2013, Jan Kopecký (CZ) triumphed in 2014 and Pontus Tidemand (S) clinched victory last year. However, the APRC rally is being held in a new location this year.

... the ŠKODA Fabia R5 made its debut in the APRC in China last season? The former duo of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson had the honour of presenting the new rally car in the Middle Kingdom for the first time – the baptism of fire could not have been more successful: 13 of 13 special stages went to the Swedish duo and the new winning car from the Czech Republic.

... the current leader of the APRC, Gaurav Gill, has already won the championship once? He secured overall victory with the ŠKODA FABIA Super 2000 in 2013. He was the first Indian to win the APRC.

… Fabian Kreim is not only successful in the APRC, but also in the DRM with the ŠKODA FABIA R5? Alongside his co-driver Frank Christian, he competes for the team ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland, and is currently in first place in the overall standings.

… China has been part of the APRC since 1997? From 2006 to 2015, Longyou in the province of Zhejiang hosted the event. This year, the organizers relocated the venue to the north of the People's Republic, specifically to Zhangye in the province of Gansu.

... Gansu, where the “China Rally Zhangye” will be held, is one of the largest provinces in China? The province is around 390,000 km² in size, making it almost five times larger than the Czech Republic (almost 79,000 km²). Around 70 percent of the area of Gansu consists of mountains or plateaus. The west of the province is where the Qilian Mountains, which reach up to 5500 metres in height, are located, while the world-famous Gobi and Alashan deserts are in the east.

... China is the most important sales market for ŠKODA? The Czech automobile manufacturer defied the difficult market conditions and increased the brand's deliveries by 11,8 percent to 22,400 vehicles in June.

... China will host the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) again this year for the first time since 1999? From 8 - 11 September, the elite class of rallying will stop off around Huairou near Beijing.

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA wins again at the desert rally in the core market of China

​› Conditions overcome: Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall complete a hat-trick of wins in the APRC with victory at the “China Rally Zhangye” and, in doing so, extend their overall lead in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
› Impressive display from Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian: third place
› Michal Hrabánek: “A strong performance in tough conditions”

​Zhangye/China, 7 August 2016 – Extreme conditions overcome and the hat-trick completed: ŠKODA won again in its core market of China and remains on course for the title at the halfway point in this season’s FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/AUS) were unbeatable again in the APRC classification at the “China Rally Zhangye”, meaning they remain undefeated after three races in the prestigious continental championship. The second ŠKODA MRF duo of Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D) joined them on the podium, finishing third in the APRC competition after an impressive fightback.

“This rally was a huge challenge for man and machine. However, the MRF team and our ŠKODA FABIA R5 produced a really strong performance in difficult conditions in a rally that is new to us. This win for Gaurav Gill and Glenn Macneall is worth its weight in gold! We are leading the APRC at the halfway point of the season,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek, who went on to praise the second driver in the team, Fabian Kreim: “Fabian’s stage wins showed what great potential he has. That was only his third rally on gravel!”

After the two rallies in New Zealand and Australia, a race with a completely new character awaited the drivers at a new venue in China. The route took them through the steppe on the edge of the Gobi Desert, where the road surface was stony in some places and sandy in others. The extreme conditions really put the drivers through their paces all weekend. Temperatures of up to 44 degrees and extreme dryness only added to what was already a very demanding route. However, the ŠKODA MRF team successfully overcame this challenge.

“That was a really tough rally, and I am proud that we won the APRC classification. Three wins from three races – as far as the championship is concerned, things really couldn’t look any better,” said a happy Gill. Fabian Kreim also produced a strong display in the Gansu province, not far from the border with Mongolia. He failed to reach the finish on Saturday, following a technical issue on the fifth special stage. Kreim rejoined the rally on Sunday and was the fastest man in the field, winning stages with outstanding times. In doing so, he fought his way back into third to make it onto the APRC podium for the third time, after two runner-up finishes in New Zealand and Australia.

“That was a really eventful rally – in every regard. Rallies in such extreme conditions really help me in my development. And I am proud of the podium finish! I am looking ahead now. I have the Rally Germany in just a few days, which is the absolute highlight of the season for me. I am already hugely looking forward to it,” said Kreim.
The ŠKODA Motorsport lines up in WRC 2 at the German round of the FIA World Rally Championship (18 to 21 August), as well as the Rally China (8 to 11 September). The latter will provide the next opportunity to showcase the ŠKODA FABIA R5 in what is a core market for the Czech car maker.

The number for the Rally Zhangye: 1500

Up and away: the “China Rally Zhangye” took place at about 1500 metres above sea level. This makes it the highest event on the calendar. As such, it places a far greater strain on man and machine, as the oxygen percentage in the air is lower than at other rallies.

FIA Asia-Pacific Championship (APRC)Event/ Date
Rally Whangarei – New Zealand; 29.04.–01.05.2016
Rally Queensland – Australia; 18.06.–19.06.2016
Rally Zhangye – 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 at the Rally Germany: Confident ahead of the asphalt classic

​› Esapekka Lappi and Jan Kopecký line up for ŠKODA at the Rally Germany
› 16 ŠKODA teams in action in Trier, including ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand and ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland driver Fabian Kreim
› ŠKODA on six-race winning streak in the WRC 2
› Michal Hrabánek: “Outstanding opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our ŠKODA FABIA R5 on asphalt”

​Mladá Boleslav, 15 August 2016 – After six victories in a row, including the home win for flying Finns Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm at the prestigious Rally Finland at the end of July, the Czech car maker boasts a strong contingent at the Rally Germany. As well as Lappi/Ferm, last year’s winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) will also start for the ŠKODA Motorsport team at round nine of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), which takes place from 18 to 21 August.

​“After the high-speed rallies in Poland and Finland, we will face completely different conditions at the Rally Germany,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “Instead of gravel forest tracks, the challenges we face in Germany include narrow asphalt roads through the vineyards of the Mosel region and extremely demanding stages on the iconic ‘Panzerplatte’. That means two things for us as a team: utmost concentration and an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our ŠKODA FABIA R5 on asphalt. We obviously want to add to our winning run in the WRC 2 in Germany,” Hrabánek adds.

The Rally Germany is unique to the current world championship calendar. After six gravel rallies in a row, it is not only the first WRC event on asphalt and concrete roads, but it also has a totally unique character. While the Friday and Sunday of the rally take place on the winding asphalt roads in the Mosel vineyards around the rally centre of Trier, Saturday is all about the iconic ‘Panzerplatte’. This is the section on the Baumholder military training ground, which features medium-quick routes on a mixture of asphalt roads and concrete slabs. In total, the teams must complete 306.8 kilometres against the clock, spread over 18 stages between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.

“I am very much looking forward to making my third start in the WRC 2 this year in Germany,” says Jan Kopecký. “I like the Rally Germany and always really like racing there. I showed with my win last year that the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is also one of the top cars in its class on asphalt. My goal for this weekend is to score as many points as possible for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2 team competition. Obviously, the best way to do this will be to win again,” Kopecký adds.

For Esapekka Lappi, the main goal for the Rally Germany is to add to his points tally in the WRC 2 Drivers’ Championship. The 25-year-old Finn is currently fourth overall (57 points) after his victory in Finland. None of the drivers ahead of him in the overall standings will be able to pick up points in Germany. World championship leader Elfyn Evans (GB, Ford, 95 points) and third-placed Nicolas Fuchs (PE, ŠKODA, 59 points) have opted not to race in Germany. Teemu Suninen (FIN, ŠKODA, 93 points), winner of the rallies in Mexico, Italy and Poland, will line up as usual in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the Rally Germany. However, as at the Rally Sweden, he has not registered for the WRC 2 classification, meaning he cannot score world championship points.

“The WRC 2 field at the Rally Germany is still extremely strong,” says Lappi. “Jan is just one of many favourites for the win. You also have the German and French drivers, who are traditionally very quick at asphalt rallies. I want to put on as good a show as possible and score as many world championship points as I can. I know that the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is also one of the best rally cars in the world on asphalt, I am convinced that I will pick up some good points.”

The third ŠKODA works duo of Pontus Tidemand (S) and Jonas Andersson (S) will also be in action in Germany. “I have very fond memories of the Rally Germany, and always enjoy racing there,” says Tidemand. “I won the race there in the Junior WRC in 2013, and then claimed my first WRC 2 victory in Germany one year later. I am now starting there for the first time with the ŠKODA FABIA R5 and my co-driver Jonas Andersson, and am looking to gain as much experience as possible.”

The last six WRC 2 rallies have been won by drivers in the high-tech four-wheel drive ŠKODA FABIA R5. Works driver Lappi won his home rally in Finland, while team-mate Tidemand climbed onto the top step of the podium at the Rally Portugal. 23-year-old Suninen was victorious at the Rally Italy in June and the Rally Poland in July, having started the winning run at the Rally Mexico. At the Rally Argentina, it was Nicolás Fuchs who was unbeatable in the fast and reliable four-wheel drive car from Mladá Boleslav.


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


Did you know …

… ŠKODA is the manufacturer with the biggest contingent of R5 cars at the Rally Germany? As well as the works cars of Lappi/Ferm, Kopecký/Dresler and Tidemand/Andersson, a further twelve crews will take to the route in a ŠKODA FABIA R5. Furthermore, Yannick Neuville (B), younger brother of WRC star Thierry Neuville (B), will take part in the Rally Germany in a ŠKODA FABIA Super 2000. You can find a list of all the ŠKODA teams below.

… world championship rivals Teemu Suninen and Pontus Tidemand are unable to score points at the Rally Germany, as they have not registered for the WRC 2 class at the Rally Germany? Each driver can score points towards the overall WRC 2 standings at seven selected rallies over the course of the year. The best six of these results count towards the classification. Gravel specialist Suninen, who is currently second in the world championship with 93 points, has been registered in the WRC 2 class for five of the rallies so far this season, winning three and finishing runner-up in another. Tidemand lies fifth (49 points) in the world championship after four WRC 2 outings (one win).

… ŠKODA has six drivers in the top seven of the overall WRC 2 standings? After eight of the season’s 14 races, six drivers at the wheel of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 are lurking behind leader Elfyn Evans (GB, 95 points from six starts), in the form of Teemu Suninen (93/five starts), Nicolás Fuchs (59/five starts), works driver Esapekka Lappi (57/four starts), Pontus Tidemand (49/four starts), Hubert Ptaszek (42/six starts) and experienced German Armin Kremer (40/four starts). The third ŠKODA works driver Jan Kopecký (19/two starts) is eleventh.

… three current ŠKODA drivers have already tasted victory at the Rally Germany? As well as Jan Kopecký (WRC 2 winner 2015) and Pontus Tidemand (WRC 2 winner 2014), Armin Kremer (D) has also taken his place on the top step of the podium at the Rally Germany: Kremer was the overall winner of the rally in 1999, before the race belonged to the World Rally Championship.

… the Rally Germany was held for the first time in 1982? The venue for the inaugural race was Frankfurt am Main. Victory went to Erwin Weber (D), who won the rally again ten years later.

… the Rally Germany first formed part of the World Rally Championship in 2002? Since then, the rally has only been missing from the WRC calendar in 2009.

… nine-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb (F) has won the Rally Germany more than any other driver? The Frenchman triumphed nine times between 2002 and 2012.

… this year’s Rally Germany kicks off with the Shakedown on Thursday morning? The first special stage is on Friday morning, the last on Sunday afternoon. The presentation ceremony begins at 15:00 on Sunday.



ŠKODA teams at the 34th Rally Germany

31    Armin Kremer/Primin Winklhofer (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5
32    Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5*
33    Max Rendina/Emanuele Inglesi (I/I); ŠKODA FABIA R5
34    Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari/Killian Duffy (Q/IRL); ŠKODA FABIA R5
35    Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5*
41    Julien Maurin/Olivier Ural (F/F); ŠKODA FABIA R5
42    Ghislain de Mevius/Johan Jalet (B/B); ŠKODA FABIA R5
48    Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5
51    Bernhard Ten Brinke/Davy Thierie (NL/NL); ŠKODA FABIA R5
52    Kristian Poulsen/Ole Frederiksen (DK/DK); ŠKODA FABIA R5
53    Mark van Eldik/Harmen Scholtalbers (NL/NL); ŠKODA FABIA R5
54    Edwin Schilt/Lisette Bakker (NL/NL); ŠKODA FABIA R5
82    Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5
83    Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S); ŠKODA FABIA R5**
84    Yannick Neuville/Jürgen Heigl (B/A); ŠKODA FABIA Super 2000**
86    Thomas Wallenwein/Benedikt Hofmann (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5**

* racing for ŠKODA Motorsport at the Rally Germany.
** not registered in the WRC 2 category at the Rally Germany, and therefore not eligible to score world championship points.

[Karlheinz]

Rally Germany: Good start for ŠKODA at World Championship rally among the vineyards

​› Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm finish the first day in second place in the WRC 2 standings
› Last year’s winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler are having to catch up after tyre problems and are currently in fifth
› Armin Kremer/Pirmin Winklhofer lead their home rally in the ŠKODA FABIA R5

​Trier, 19th August 2016 – A promising start for ŠKODA at the Rally Germany. Three ŠKODA teams have claimed the top three positions after the first day of this classic event on asphalt among the vineyards of the Moselle, near Trier. Five out of 18 stages have been completed and German drivers Armin Kremer/Pirmin Winklhofer are leading their home rally. They are followed by the ŠKODA Motorsport duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN). In third place: the Belgian drivers Ghislain de Mevius and Johan Jalet, who are also competing in a ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the ninth race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

​Armin Kremer set two best times in the first two special stages to catapult himself to the top of the WRC 2 standings – and last year's winner Jan Kopecký was close behind early on. However, tyre problems on the second stage meant that the Czech driver, an asphalt specialist, lost about one and a half minutes. Kopecký recorded two best times on Friday afternoon to claw back the lost time and he ended the first of three rally days around Trier in fifth place (+1:34.8 minutes).

“Of course I am a bit disappointed because of the tyre problems,” said Kopecký. “That was just bad luck as I really don't know how it happened. But this is a long rally and the hardest part is yet to come. We will continue to give our all and then we will see what result is still possible. As we all know: Everything can change on the Panzerplatte.”

And it is true that the nine special stages scheduled to take place over 148.57 kilometres on the second day of the rally could well play a decisive role in determining the winner. The drivers will tackle the legendary “Panzerplatte” at the military base in Baumholder five times, a challenge that will separate the wheat from the chaff at the Rally Germany. The tracks themselves are medium to fast – a mixture of asphalt roads and concrete paving that will be a severe test for the drivers and their cars.

Esapekka Lappi is well placed to enjoy a successful second day of rallying. On Friday, the winner of the Rally Finland took some controlled risks to finish in second place (+28.4 seconds). “I didn't drive right at the limit, as I wanted to start the rally without any major incidents,” said Lappi. “But we still spun round three times on the first two stages. That has never happened to me before! Luckily, nothing serious happened. I am still a bit inexperienced in these conditions. I am intrigued to see how things go tomorrow, and I am really looking forward to the great atmosphere at the Panzerplatte, where we hope that thousands of fans will be cheering us on.”

The ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland duo of Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D) did not enjoy quite as much luck as Lappi. The leaders of the German Rally Championship (DRM) were in eighth place, but were left standing at the start of the fourth special stage due to a technical problem. On Saturday, they will return thanks to the Rally2 regulations, and will hope to put on a really good show for the many German fans at the track.

On the subject of a good show: on Friday, the ŠKODA works duo of Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) put on a superb performance in the third FABIA R5 in ŠKODA Motorsport colours. Their stage times would have been good enough to land them in third place in the WRC 2 standings. However, the Swedish drivers had not registered for the WRC 2 class at the Rally Germany, which means that they can‘t score any world championship points.



Classifications Rally Germany (WRC 2) after five of 18 stages:

1. Kremer/Winklhofer (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 1h 2m 45.7s
2. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 28.4s
3. de Mevius/Jalet (B/B); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1m 8.7s
4. Loubet/Landais (F/F); Citroën DS3 R5; + 1m 29.6s
5. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1m 34.8s



The number of the day: 200

ŠKODA had something to celebrate on Friday: Jan Kopecký’s best time on the fifth special stage was the 200th stage win for the FABIA R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). The high-tech four-wheel drive car from Mladá Boleslav debuted on the world stage in April 2015. The works duo of Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) claimed the fourth consecutive APRC title for ŠKODA in the very first season with the new ŠKODA FABIA R5. This rally car has also won five national titles.

[Karlheinz]

Run of success continues: ŠKODA celebrates one-two-three-four result at the Rally Germany

​› The ŠKODA works duos Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler clinch one-two victory for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2 class
› Armin Kremer/Pirmin Winklhofer round off the podium in the FABIA R5 in third place at their home rally at Porta Nigra
› Seventh ŠKODA win in a row in the WRC 2
› Michal Hrabánek: “The FABIA R5 is also the fastest rally car in its class on asphalt”

​Trier, 21 August 2016 – ŠKODA celebrated a commanding one-two-three-four result at the Rally Germany and thereby continued their impressive run of success in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). Just as they did three weeks ago at the Rally Finland, the ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) in the Fabia R5 brought home a commanding win in the WRC 2 category. Their team-mates at ŠKODA Motorsport, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), crossed the finish line in second place, thereby clinching the one-two result for the team from Mladá Boleslav.

​“The team really deserved this win,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We saw a totally flawless performance from everyone: drivers, co-drivers, engineers, mechanics – every single one of them gave 100 percent once again. The conditions were not easy since the stages at the Rally Germany are some of the most challenging asphalt tracks in the entire WRC. On top of that was the changeable weather. Esapekka and Janne drove a perfect rally. No doubt Jan and Pavel would also have been up there fighting for the win if it weren’t for their unfortunate tyre damage, but made the best out of the situation finishing in second place. Four ŠKODA teams in the top four places, six overall in the top 10 clearly shows that the FABIA R5 is also the fastest rally car in its class on asphalt.”

Victory in the WRC 2 class was decided on Saturday, the longest day at the Rally Germany. While the rally was characterised by twisting asphalt tracks through the Mosel vineyards around the rally centre of Trier on Friday and Sunday, Saturday was all about the legendary “Panzerplatte”. This is a section of track on the military training ground of Baumholder, which is characterised by medium-speed tracks on a mix of asphalt roads and slabs of concrete. On this stage, a clever tyre selection and a controlled offensive in changeable weather conditions saw Lappi quickly take the lead and go on to pull away from his rivals with several best times.

Team-mate Kopecký, initially slowed down by tyre damage on Friday morning, worked his way up from fifth place into second place during this phase. On the three closing special stages on Sunday, the two ŠKODA works drivers controlled the action and thereby clinched ŠKODA’s seventh successive victory in the WRC 2.

“I am over the moon,” said Lappi after his win at the Rally Germany. “To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting to be driving for the win here. But apart from a few slips on Friday morning, we made it through the stages flawlessly and quickly. Saturday in particular was perhaps the best day of my WRC 2 career on dirty asphalt to date. The FABIA R5 worked perfectly and we also made the correct tyre selection. We had a lot of grip. Thanks go to the entire team!”

Victory at the Rally Germany sees Lappi move up into third place in the WRC 2 overall standings (82 points). ŠKODA Motorsport also took the lead in the team standings (125 points). “It was the perfect team result for ŠKODA,” said second-placed Kopecký. “Of course I would have loved to repeat my victory of last year, but considering the tyre issues on Friday, we did the best we could with second place. Congratulations to Esapekka! I know how good at go karting he is, which is why I knew he could definitely win an asphalt rally.”

The ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S), who also contested the Rally Germany in the FABIA R5, but are not registered for the WRC 2 classification, were convincing in an impressive eighth place in the overall standings of the rally. “It was a great experience,” said Tidemand. “I am grateful for the opportunity that ŠKODA Motorsport gave me here. It was great practice for me to compete at a high level at this rally. I learned a great deal in terms of writing the pace notes, assessing the weather conditions and making the correct tyre selection on asphalt.”

In addition to the ŠKODA works drivers, ŠKODA customer teams completed the Czech automobile manufacturer’s very good result at the Rally Germany. Armin Kremer/Pirmin Winklhofer (D/D) in the FABIA R5 took the final spot on the purely ŠKODA podium at the award ceremony at Porta Nigra. The Belgian duo of Ghislain de Mevius/Johan Jalet (B/B) finished in fourth place in their FABIA R5. Bernhard ten Brinke/Davy Thierie (NL/NL), also in a FABIA R5 competing in ŠKODA Motorsport’s customer racing programme, came sixth. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari/Killian Duffy (Q/IRL) finished in tenth place.

Rally Germany result (WRC 2):

1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN); ŠKODA FABIA R5; 3h 9m 3,5s
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1m 7.4s
3. Kremer/Winklhofer (D/D); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 1m 33.8s
4. de Mevius/Jalet (B/B); ŠKODA FABIA R5; + 2m 36.1s
5. Loubet/Landais (F/F); Citroën DS3 R5; + 3m 42.0s

The number for the rally: 16

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 made its mark on the 2016 Rally Germany. Between Friday and Sunday, 16 special stages were held on the demanding asphalt and concrete routes around the rally centre in Trier – and the WRC 2 class was won by a ŠKODA team on all 16 stages. Nine stage wins went to the second-placed ŠKODA works duo of Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler. The winners, their team-mates Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm, clocked the fastest time on six stages. Armin Kremer/Pirmin Winklhofer won two special stages, while the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland duo of Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian also achieved a stage win at their home rally. Remarkably, Kopecký and Lappi shared victory on two special stages, having clocked exactly the same time, right down to a tenth of a second.

[Karlheinz]

46th Barum Rally Zlín: ŠKODA looking forward to rally classic on home soil

› 46th Barum Rally Zlín: ŠKODA Motorsport faces double challenge of the European Rally Championship (ERC) and the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
› Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler start in the FABIA R5 with a special red/black livery and could win their fifth MČR rally in a row this season
› German duo Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian start with support from ŠKODA Motorsport

Mladá Boleslav, 23 August 2016 – Jan Kopecký (CZ) and co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) have their sights set on winning the traditional rally in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) for the fifth time. After four wins at the first four rounds of the season, the Czech ŠKODA duo is the top favourite to triumph at the 46th Barum Czech Rally Zlín. However, the international opposition is strong at the asphalt event in Moravia – the Barum Rally also forms part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) this year.

“The Barum Czech Rally Zlín is undoubtedly a classic on the rally calendar and excites rally drivers and fans alike. We have the chance here to defend the title we won last year with the ŠKODA FABIA R5. With four wins from four rallies this year, Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler have shown emphatically that the FABIA R5 is a winning car – and in a wide range of different conditions. The fact that we are up against international opposition at the Rally Zlín makes the event all the more attractive.” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

This year’s Barum Czech Rally Zlín consists of 229.94 kilometres against the clock, spread over 15 special stages. The first highlight for the drivers and fans comes as early as Friday evening, when the streets of the 700-year-old industrial city of Zlín host the spectator stage of the same name. Thousands of fans are expected to enjoy the rally action up close and personal – and this year they are in for a special treat: the FABIA R5 of Kopecký/Dresler will feature a special red/black livery for the first time.

“I am really looking forward to the Rally Zlín, as it is one of the true classics when it comes to European asphalt rallies. We have had a fantastic season so far, and it would be phenomenal to claim our fifth win in a row this season at the Barum Rally,” said Jan Kopecký, who finished second in the WRC 2 class at last week’s Rally Germany in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). “The FABIA R5 has been fast and reliable all year. I see no reason why we should not be strong again in Zlín. I would like to repeat last year’s win. Furthermore, Pavel and I obviously want to put on a good show for the fans.” Should Kopecký win, it would be the 34-year-old’s fifth victory at the Barum Rally.

A total of eleven ŠKODA FABIA R5s will start at the rally around Zlín, including the high-tech powerhouse of Fabian Kreim/Frank Christian (D/D), who currently lead the German Rally Championship (DRM). The German duo will line up at the Barum Rally with support from ŠKODA Motorsport. Kreim has already made one guest appearance in this season’s MČR at the recent Rally Bohemia. This month has already seen him in action in both the World Rally Championship (WRC 2) event in Germany and the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), in which Kreim is currently second overall.

“I cannot wait for my outing at the Rally Zlín. The Czech fans are incredibly passionate and it is great to be back driving in the Czech Republic after the race in Bohemia,” said Kreim. The youngster was on course for a podium finish for long stretches of the Rally Bohemia in July. However, a puncture ultimately meant he had to settle for seventh place. “I want to build on that good performance and to continue to improve in Zlín.”

As well as witnessing international rally stars in action, there is also plenty on offer for fans in the ŠKODA Park. As usual in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR), a competition will offer the chance to win a ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 for a year.

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