ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA driver Sepp Wiegand forced to pull out with podium finish within reach

› Second place in WRC 2 category until 13th of 15 special stages
› “We showed we can be competitive on asphalt and gravel”
› Congratulations to Volkswagen and Kubica

Salou, Spain, 27 October 2013 – Bad luck for ŠKODA driver Sepp Wiegand: the promising German driver had to retire on the final day of Rally Spain, just when a podium finish was within reach. He was in a fantastic second place in the WRC 2 category when he was forced to pull out due to a technical problem during the 13th of the 15 special stages in the penultimate rally of the current FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

“Obviously, it’s frustrating. We were doing really well and I was really enjoying driving. But we did at least show we can be competitive on both asphalt and gravel,” Wiegand said. The 22-year-old and his co-driver Frank Christian initially defended the second place they had secured on asphalt during the first three stages on Sunday on his favourite track surface, gravel.

Dealing with difficult visibility, Wiegand was significantly faster than the Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica (Poland) on the Gandesa, Peselis and Terra Alta special stages. But Kubica ultimately won the rally and has therefore also claimed the WRC 2 title before the end of the season. ŠKODA Motorsport congratulates Robert Kubica on this achievement! Congratulations also go to Volkswagen for clinching the WRC Manufacturers’ Championship title.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA teams fight for titles in the big APRC final in China

​› Successful ŠKODA duo Gill/Macneall at top of leader board
› ŠKODA driver Lappi: “We’ll do everything we can to clinch the manufacturers’ championship for ŠKODA”
› Three additional teams to compete in the Fabia S2000 – with the support of ŠKODA China
› 13 stages over 230.92 kilometres of gravel and asphalt


​Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, 29 October 2013 – The factory-backed team ŠKODA MRF is optimistic ahead of the grand final of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). The final race of the APRC season will take place around Longyou in eastern China. The current overall leaders Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ) and the second ŠKODA duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) will battle it out for two titles – the manufacturers’ and the drivers’ championships – from 1 to 3 November. A triumph would be the perfect finishing touch to an outstanding 2013 rally season for the Czech automobile manufacturer, as it already has the European Championship title* under its belt thanks to Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), as well as five other national and regional titles.


​“China will be another very special challenge, as the rally alternates between stretches of gravel and asphalt. We have a clear aim, and that’s to win in the manufacturers’ standings. And it goes without saying that I will also do everything I can to bring my and Glenn’s fight for the drivers’ championship title to a successful conclusion,” says 31-year-old Gaurav Gill of India. He scored his second victory of the APRC season in Japan recently, following on from his win in New Caledonia. ŠKODA is at the top of the leader board in the manufacturers’ rankings, with a 13.5 point lead ahead of the final race in China – just like Gill in the drivers’ rankings.

ŠKODA’s leadership in the manufacturers’ standings this season is in part thanks to the nifty Finn, Esapekka Lappi, who is the second ŠKODA driver to have clinched race wins in this APRC season in New Zealand and Australia. He is currently ranked fourth overall in the APRC. More recently, the 22-year-old also demonstrated his exceptional talent by coming second in the legendary Rallye Sanremo within the European Rally Championship (ERC). “We are in a very positive frame of mind thanks to this ERC success and will now do everything we can to clinch the APRC championship for ŠKODA.” If they pull it off, they will have successfully defended ŠKODA’s title, as Chris Atkinson (AUS) won the APRC manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships for ŠKODA in 2012.

China Rally Longyou will take place in the province of Zhejiang in the east of China. It covers a distance of 230.92 kilometres and features 13 stages. The mix of track surfaces, with both gravel and asphalt, means the rally will be extra challenging both for the drivers and the ŠKODA MRF team mechanics. There will be three additional teams competing in the China Rally Championship in a Fabia S2000 with the support of ŠKODA China: the British duo Niall McShea/Marshall Clarke and two Chinese pairings, Xu Jun/Liu Sheng and Jiang Zhiyang/Xie Zhijiang.

For the Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA, the forthcoming APRC event will be a very important appearance in its key market, China, and is also a key step in its international growth drive. ŠKODA is aiming to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million units a year by 2018 and also to achieve strong growth in particular in the Asian growth markets. “As the APRC is one of the most important motorsport events in the Asia-Pacific region, it is an excellent opportunity for us to present the ŠKODA brand to a wide public,” says Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the ŠKODA Board of Management for Technical Development.

ŠKODA’s global successes in rallying are indicative of the brand’s class. In addition to the ERC champion Kopecký, this year the brand has already also produced national rally champions with Raimund Baumschlager in Austria, Umberto Scandola in Italy, Dimitar Iliev in Bulgaria and Marouf Abu Samra in Jordan. Gustavo Saba of Paraguay likewise triumphed in a ŠKODA, in South America’s CODASUR championship.*

[Karlheinz]

Gill puts another feather in the ŠKODA cap with APRC title in China

› Comfortable lead overall for successful ŠKODA duo Gill/Macneall
› “The biggest triumph of my career”
› Manufacturers’ title within reach for ŠKODA cheered on by enthusiastic fans
› Lappi ahead of teammate Gill going into final day

Longyou, China, 2 November 2013 – Gaurav Gill has put yet another feather in the ŠKODA cap for the current season by winning the drivers’ category in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)* before the season is out. The 31-year-old Indian, who drives for the factory-backed ŠKODA MRF team, has a comfortable lead overall ahead of the final day of the last race of the season in China. In addition, ŠKODA is in with a strong chance of also clinching the manufacturers’ title on Sunday thanks to top rally driver Esapekka Lappi (FIN).

​“This is the biggest triumph of my career and I hope it’s not the last too. We won’t be celebrating until we have also won the manufacturers’ championship title, and we all have our fingers crossed. But I would nevertheless like to already thank the entire ŠKODA MRF team, without whom we could never have achieved this success,” said a delighted Gill.

Gill’s performance means that ŠKODA have successfully defended their title, as Chris Atkinson (AUS) won the APRC manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships for ŠKODA in 2012. Gill settled the competition for the championship title early by scoring successes in the APRC races held in New Caledonia and Japan in his very fast Fabia S2000.

Gill and his co-driver Glenn Macneall (NZ) are in second place overall ahead of the final day of the final rally in the current APRC season, which is taking place in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, and are second only to their outstanding teammate Lappi of Finland.

Recent evidence of the dominance of the ŠKODA MRF team in the APRC came with Lappi winning the races in New Zealand and Australia. And now he wants to win the final race too: “Being in the lead is great, but we still need to keep our wits about us when we tackle the tricky course conditions up in the mountains. After all, our main objective is now to win the manufacturers’ championship for ŠKODA in the APRC.” The schedule for the final day of the rally comprises another six stages over a distance of 124.48 km.

ŠKODA’s global successes in rallying are indicative of the brand’s class: in addition to the European champions* Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), this year the brand has already also produced national rally champions with Raimund Baumschlager in Austria, Umberto Scandola in Italy, Dimitar Iliev in Bulgaria and Marouf Abu Samra in Jordan. Gustavo Saba of Paraguay likewise triumphed in a ŠKODA, in South America’s CODASUR championship.*

* Subject to official confirmation by the FIA

[Karlheinz]

The perfect final: ŠKODA also clinches the manufacturers’ title in the APRC

› Prestigious triple triumph in front of enthusiastic crowds in China
› Successful ŠKODA duo Gill/Macneall already champions in the drivers’ rankings
› Lappi wins Rally China Longyou for the Czech automobile manufacturer
› “This win is of strategic importance”

Longyou, China, 3 November 2013 – ŠKODA enjoyed a perfect final of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in China and now has three reasons to celebrate. With Gaurav Gill (India) having already clinched the drivers’ championship title,* the Czech automobile manufacturer went on to also secure the prestigious manufacturers’ title* in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans on Sunday. And thirdly, the fast Finn Esapekka Lappi won the Rally China Longyou for the factory-backed ŠKODA MRF team. This excellent weekend was the icing on the cake in an outstanding 2013 rally season for ŠKODA, which already had the European Championship title* under its belt thanks to Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), as well as five other national and regional titles.

​“Winning in the APRC is of very big importance to the ŠKODA brand – especially since we have now wrapped it all up in the strategic market of China. The entire ŠKODA MRF team did fantastically throughout the championship and I would like to thank every single member of the team for their efforts. It goes without saying that our huge congratulations go to our two winners Gaurav Gill and Glen Macneall, who have scored the biggest victory of their careers to date. And our ŠKODA China colleagues deserve some recognition too, for having presented our ŠKODA Fabia racing car in the Chinese rally championship,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

Thousands of spectators lined the gravel and asphalt tracks on all three days of the China Rally Longyou and cheered the entire ŠKODA team on. At the end of 13 special stages over a distance of 230.92 km, it was Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) who triumphed, ahead of their teammates Gaurav Gill/Glen Macneall (IND/NZ). “We are happy to have helped ŠKODA win the manufacturers’ title with our win in the final race in China. That was our primary objective. The APRC has been a great learning experience,” commented Lappi.

Win number five out of six races this season was the icing on the cake in an outstanding APRC season for the ŠKODA MRF team. Before China, 22-year-old Lappi won the races in New Zealand and Australia, while 31-year-old Gill scored wins in New Caledonia and Japan in the fantastic Fabia S2000. Together, they confidently clinched the manufacturers’ title for ŠKODA. Gill scored what he says is the biggest success of his career with his top position in the drivers’ standings, while Lappi finished in third place.

“I am the APRC champion and I am absolutely delighted. I achieved what I and the brand as a whole set out to do, which is fantastic. I would like to thank the entire ŠKODA MRF team and above all ŠKODA Motorsport, who helped me realise this dream of mine.” In addition, the win meant that ŠKODA successfully defended its title, as Chris Atkinson (AUS) won the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships in the APRC for ŠKODA in 2012.

ŠKODA’s global successes in rallying are indicative of the brand’s class: in addition to the European champions* Kopecký/Dresler, this year the brand has already also produced national rally champions with Raimund Baumschlager in Austria, Umberto Scandola in Italy, Dimitar Iliev in Bulgaria and Marouf Abu Samra in Jordan. Gustavo Saba of Paraguay likewise triumphed in a ŠKODA, in South America’s CODASUR championship.* “The titles we have won in Europe and the other national championship wins stand as a testament to our expertise in the area of rallying. I think we have given the ŠKODA brand some fantastic advertising, which we can now build on in the Asia-Pacific region in particular,” said Hrabánek in summary.

For the Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA, achieving success in its strategic market, China, was a key step in its international growth drive. ŠKODA is aiming to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million units a year by 2018 and also to achieve strong growth in particular in the Asian growth markets. And rally wins and championship titles are, of course, the best form of advertising for the brand.

* Subject to official confirmation by the FIA

[Karlheinz]

Lappi sets sights on podium finish for ŠKODA in the ERC final in Switzerland

​› Third ERC start of the year for the Finnish duo driving for ŠKODA
› APRC and ERC titles already in the bag for ŠKODA
› 287,84 kilometres over 18 special stages to be tackled in the Rallye International du Valais

​Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, 5 November 2013 – The fast Finn Esapekka Lappi and his co-driver Janne Ferm hope to secure a spot on the winners’ rostrum for ŠKODA in the final of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season. The pair plans to extend ŠKODA’s string of successes in the Rallye International du Valais to be held in the Swiss Alps from 7 to 9 November. It would be another highlight in an outstanding rally season for the Czech automobile manufacturer, to add to the European Championship title* of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), its triumph in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)* and also five other national and regional titles.

​Lappi recently caused a sensation by coming second in the ERC’s Rallye Sanremo and also contributed three race wins to ŠKODA’s title win in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). The Czech car maker has also already won the European Championship title* in what has been a highly successful rally season for the brand, thanks to its pairing of Kopecký as the driver and Dresler as the co-driver.

“Obviously, we want to match these successes when we compete in the ERC final in our Fabia S2000 in Switzerland. In particular, Janne and I have drawn a lot of self-confidence from our podium finish in Rallye Sanremo,” says Lappi, who then goes on to warn against anyone getting their hopes up too high: “But above all, we will focus on gaining more experience on asphalt.”

It will be the third ERC start of the season for last year’s Finnish rally champion, following on from the Barum Rally in ŠKODA’s native Czech Republic and the Rallye Sanremo. The current European championship has been dominated by his teammate Kopecký in the Fabia S2000, who clinched the ERC championship title before the season was even over by scoring six wins and making it onto the podium on two other occasions in the eight rallies held so far.

ŠKODA’s global successes in rallying are indicative of the brand’s class: in addition to the European champion* Kopecký, the brand also produced national champions with Raimund Baumschlager in Austria, Umberto Scandola in Italy, Dimitar Iliev in Bulgaria and Marouf Abu Samra in Jordan. Gustavo Saba of Paraguay likewise triumphed in a ŠKODA, in South America’s CODASUR championship.* And last weekend, Gaurav Gill (India) clinched the APRC title,* while Lappi did his bit for the triumph of the ŠKODA brand while competing in China.

The 54th Rallye International du Valais will once again be a very special touchstone for Lappi. The rally’s narrow asphalt tracks wind their way through the impressive mountains near to Lake Geneva. The rally, which is based around Martigny, comprises 18 special stages covering a total distance of 287.84 kilometres. Ice and snow can be a factor in this rally in early November – but hailing from Finland, Lappi is more than prepared for such conditions.

[Karlheinz]

China winner Lappi in the lead for ŠKODA in Switzerland too

​› ŠKODA duo Lappi/Ferm also impressive in the ERC final in the Alps
› A lead of 43.7 seconds ahead of final day of Rallye International du Valais
› APRC and ERC titles already in the bag for ŠKODA

​Matigny, Switzerland, 8 November 2013 – He triumphed for ŠKODA in China last Sunday, and now he is in the lead ahead of the final day of the Rallye International du Valais too: the fast Finn Esapekka Lappi demonstrated his exceptional talent once again in the Swiss Alps. He and his co-driver Janne Ferm now have a 43.7-second lead ahead of the eight special stages that make up the final event of the current FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season.
​Simply making it onto the podium would be another highlight in an outstanding rally season for the Czech automobile manufacturer, to add to the European Championship title* of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), its triumph in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)* and also five other national titles.

“We had a good day without a single problem. The ŠKODA was fantastic and the driving was a lot of fun today. The grip was much better in the afternoon, so I was able to pick up the pace,” said Lappi, who nevertheless remains cautious about his chances of winning: “Saturday will be the trickiest day. The most important thing is not to make any stupid mistakes, and then we’ll see what happens.”

The 22-year-old Finn didn’t show any signs of flagging, in spite of the seven-hour time difference to China, where he won the final race of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) last weekend. Lappi scored three fastest times in the ten special stages held so far on the winding and slippery asphalt tracks in the breathtaking mountain panorama that surrounds the rally headquarters in Matigny. His closest competitors lost time to this hugely talented driver during the Friday afternoon stages in particular, even though he is actually still something of a novice on asphalt.

Lappi recently impressed everyone by coming second in the ERC’s legendary Rallye Sanremo and also contributed three race wins to ŠKODA’s title win in the APRC. The Czech car maker has also already won the European Championship title* in what has been a highly successful year for the brand, thanks to its pairing of Kopecký as the driver and Dresler as the co-driver. The successful duo dominated the ERC season, scoring six wins and two additional podium finishes out of their eight event starts.

And now their teammate Lappi is comfortably on course to add another chapter to the ŠKODA success story. There are another eight special stages covering a distance of 146.30 kilometres to be tackled on Saturday in the 54th Rallye International du Valais. The highlight will be the Les Cols special stage, which is the longest, over a distance of 37.13 kilometres.

[Karlheinz]

Acropolis Rally: ŠKODA lines up at classic around the Gulf of Corinth

› Lappi/Ferm and Wiegand/Christian start at the ERC rally in Greece
› A re-worked classic: the “Acropolis” for the first time in March and on a mixture of asphalt and gravel
› Victory in Latvia sees Esapekka Lappi lead the ERC ahead of the third round of the season

Mladá Boleslav, 24 March 2014 – ŠKODA lines up at the third round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) with high expectations on the back of a success. Following the win at the Rally Latvia in February, the ŠKODA works pair of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) travel to the legendary Acropolis Rally on 28 to 30 March with more points to their name (both 39 points) than any other duo. Also in action at the classic around the Gulf of Corinth: their comrades in arms from the ŠKODA AUTO Germany team, Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian (D/D), in the second ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000.

“The ‘Acropolis’ is another completely new rally for us,” said Lappi. “For this reason, as with nearly every event this year, our primary goal will be to gain experience. And with a little luck are certainly capable of picking up another good result. What makes this rally particularly interesting is the fact that it switches from asphalt to gravel on day two. To be honest, I still have no idea what the asphalt streets look like in Greece. I am also curious to see how competitive our rivals’ R 5 cars are.”

Sepp Wiegand is also looking forward to the next challenge after his fifth place in Latvia. “The changing conditions mean I am expecting it to be a very testing rally,” said the German. “As a driver, you have to change from one driving style to another overnight. The car set-up also changes dramatically. My goal is to make it to the finish without any problems and to follow on from my good stage times at the Rally Latvia.”

The Acropolis Rally, for decades a permanent fixture in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), makes its first appearance on the ERC calendar this year. As well as the change in championship, the Greek round of the ERC has also been moved forward: rather than in June, as has previously been the norm, this year’s classic will take place in March for the first time.

After Friday’s qualifying on a 3.27-kilometre asphalt stage not far from the rally HQ in Loutraki, the Acropolis Rally opens with two loops of three asphalt special stages amounting to 124.62 kilometres against the clock on Saturday. A further 114.22 kilometres of special stage are scheduled for the Sunday: as well as a short 1.18-kilometre spectator stage, the competitors will also tackle two loops of three gravel stages.

Meanwhile, work on the Fabia R 5, the successor to the successful Fabia Super 2000, is in full flow in Mladá Boleslav. The development of the new racing car, which is based on the future production model of the Fabia and equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine in line with FIA regulations, is high on ŠKODA Motorsport’s list of priorities for the 2014 season. “That is our motorsport future. Entering the R 5 class is a logical step for the ŠKODA brand,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “As it stands, we expect the new car to be homologated by mid-2015.”

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA with a chance of a podium finish at the half way mark in the Acropolis Rally

› ŠKODA works drivers Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm are in fourth in their Fabia Super 2000 at the classic rally in Greece
› Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian plan to restart on Sunday
› The final day of the “Rally of Gods” is 114.22 kilometres of almost pure gravel

Loutraki, 29th March 2014 – At the end of the first day of the Acropolis Rally in Greece, ŠKODA is in the running for a podium finish. The works pair Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) finished the first half of the third race of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season in fourth in their Fabia Super 2000.

23-year-old Lappi was pleased with his fourth place on Saturday, which saw the participants take on 124.62 kilometres of asphalt. “We knew before the rally started that the first day on asphalt wouldn’t be easy. Frequently changing grip conditions made it hard to find a good balance,” said the Finn, who is 28.8 seconds behind third place in the overall standings. “I’m looking forward to the gravel stages on Sunday. I’ve got my eye on the podium.”

Fellow ŠKODA drivers Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian (D/D) from the team ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland on the other hand dropped out after sliding on the fourth special stage while they were in fifth. “Unfortunately, after my slip I damaged the right-rear suspension,” said Wiegand. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow as I was doing well up to that point and had a very fast car. My thanks goes out to the entire ŠKODA team who repaired my Fabia Super 2000 so that I can get back out there again on Sunday. Let’s see what we can do on gravel.”
The second half of the classic Greek rally will, unlike the start on Saturday, mainly be driven on gravel.

114.22 kilometres have to be covered in seven special stages, including a brief 1.18 kilometre super special stage after lunch. After a total of 238.84 kilometres split across two days around the rally centre in Loutraki, the winners of the 60th Acropolis Rally will roll over the ramp.

Gallery: https://goo.gl/photos/h1oHR5uNpeH5VK8k9

[Karlheinz]

Acropolis Rally: ŠKODA works driver Lappi in fourth

› ŠKODA works drivers Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm drove to fourth place at the Acropolis Rally in the Fabia Super 2000
› The Finnish duo remain in second place in the Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ Classification in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC)
› Next ERC start at the Circuit of Ireland Rally on 17–19 April

Loutraki, 30 March 2014 – The ŠKODA works drivers Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) have completed the 60th instalment of the Acropolis Rally in Greece in fourth place in their Fabia Super 2000. The two Finns were consequently the best-placed duo in a vehicle with an aspirated engine at the third event in the FIA European Rally Champion (ERC) season. Lappi/Ferm remain in second place in the overall ERC standings.

“I can be happy with my performance at this rally” said Lappi, who had to just concede victory on his debut in Greece to the teams racing in vehicles with turbo engines. “We gave it everything against the guys, but this weekend anything better than fourth place was simply not going to happen. Even my tyre damage during the eighth special stage didn’t change anything. Our next outing in Northern Ireland poses a completely different kind of challenge: a purely asphalt rally, where the weather has often played a decisive role in years past. I’m looking forward to it.”

Lappi’s colleagues Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian (D/D) from the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland team also picked up championship points by finishing the day’s classification in fifth on Sunday. The German duo were forced to retire on Saturday after skidding off whilst in fifth place and therefore had to open the special stages when the action started again on the final day of the Greek rally classic. “On Saturday I was completely on track until my slip-up. Finishing in the top five would certainly have been possible in spite of the tough competition,” according to Wiegand. “Playing ‘road sweeper’ for all the subsequent cars on Sunday over the gravel course was definitely not ideal. But recording the third-fastest time on the final special stage was something of a conciliatory end for Frank and me.”

In contrast to Saturday, when the rally was contested solely over asphalt roads, the competitors had to do battle with gravel stages, typical for Greece, on the final day.

The ERC is stopping off in Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Easter weekend (17–19 April), where the Circuit of Ireland Rally will be the fourth event of the season. ŠKODA will once again be competing with both its teams, Lappi/Ferm and Wiegand/Christian.

Meanwhile, work on the Fabia R 5, the successor to the successful Fabia Super 2000, is in full flow in Mladá Boleslav. The development of the new racing car, which is based on the future production model of the Fabia and equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine in line with FIA regulations, is of highest priority for ŠKODA Motorsport in the 2014 season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWZt2Ix-sQc&feature=share&list=PLvU8NlBTh8tPPkjcDL2ZSLHIeRwxaiI6l

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA embarks on title defence with two top driver pairings

› Season gets under way with the Rally of Whangarei in New Zealand
› Last year’s champions Gill/Macneall set their sights on the title once again
› European champions Kopecký/Dresler looking forward to a new challenge

Mladá Boleslav, 7 April 2014 – The factory-backed team ŠKODA MRF is setting its sights on defending its title in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) with two top driver duos. Last year’s champions Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ) will be lining up alongside the European champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) in the first race of the season in New Zealand from 11 to 13 April. The APRC has never seen such a high-profile pairing of drivers. The Rally of Whangarei is the first of six races in the new APRC season.

“We had a fantastic season last year and we wrote APRC history. The first thing I’d like to do is therefore thank ŠKODA and MRF for their continued support,” says Gill, who is the first Indian to ever have won the APRC. “We won’t be resting on our laurels, though, and we will do our very best to be in with a chance of securing the championship title again this year.” The ŠKODA drivers were the first to cross the finishing line in their Fabia Super 2000 in five of the six APRC races last year, and they therefore comfortably won the manufacturers’ standings for ŠKODA.

In contrast to Gill, the Asia-Pacific rallies will be virgin territory for the Czech driver Jan Kopecký. Having won last year’s FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), he is now looking forward to an entirely new challenge. “New rallies with completely different racing conditions are obviously an exciting prospect for me,” says the ŠKODA factory driver. “We had a fantastic season in 2013 and we now want to pick up where we left off, together with the ŠKODA MRF team. I have a great car and a highly professional team. And obviously I’m hoping that my ŠKODA teammate Gaurav Gill will be able to give us lots of good tips.”

That shouldn’t be a problem in the first race of the season in New Zealand, where Gill came second last year, behind his previous ŠKODA teammate Esapekka Lappi (FIN), who is competing in the ERC this year. There are, however, new challenges this year during the 14 special stages covering a distance of 241.29 kilometres around the rally base at Whangarei in New Zealand. For example, the super special stage in the region located a good 160 kilometres north of the capital Auckland will take place under the floodlights this year.

Competing in the APRC is an important step in the Czech car maker’s drive to achieve growth in international markets. ŠKODA is aiming to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million units a year in the next few years and also to achieve strong growth in particular in the Asian growth markets. Meanwhile back at the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, work continues on development of the Fabia R 5, the successor to the successful Fabia Super 2000. Developing this new racing vehicle based on the future series model of the Fabia and featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in line with the FIA rules is the top priority for ŠKODA Motorsport in the 2014 season. “This represents our motorsport future. Moving into the R5 category is a logical step for the ŠKODA brand,” says ŠKODA’s Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We are currently working on the assumption that the new vehicle will have been homologated by mid-2015.”

The 2014 APRC calendar:

11–13 April: Rally of Whangarei – New Zealand
16–18 May: Rallye de Nouvelle-Calédonie – New Caledonia
20–22 June: Rally of Queensland – Australia
15–17 August: Malaysian Rally – Malaysia
26–28 September: Rally Hokkaido – Japan
7–9 November: China Rally – China

[Karlheinz]

One-two victory: ŠKODA celebrates perfect start to the new APRC season

› First and second place in Rally of Whangarei in New Zealand
› Defending champions Gill/Macneall clinch win ahead of European champions Kopecký/Dresler
› Fabia Super 2000 the superior car: “A fantastic victory for the ŠKODA MRF team”

Whangarei, New Zealand, 13 April 2014 – The factory-backed ŠKODA MRF team is celebrating the perfect start to the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) with a one-two victory. The defending champions Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ) won the Rally of Whangarei in New Zealand with an 11.9-second lead over the European champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ). The two ŠKODA MRF teams comfortably shook off their competitors and won all 14 special stages in the first of six races in the APRC season thanks to the Fabia Super 2000, which performed superbly once again.

“I’ve been close to winning here a number of times, and this time I finally succeeded. This is a fantastic victory for the entire ŠKODA MRF team,” commented Gill. Last year Gill, who comes from India, finished second in the season opener in New Zealand, behind his teammate Esapekka Lappi (FIN). This time, however, he put in a strong performance in a thrilling battle with Kopecký on the final day, to narrowly secure victory on the route which had been reduced to 220.87 kilometres.

The 2013 European champion had taken the lead on the first day on the dusty tracks around the rally base in Whangarei – an impressive achievement considering this was the 32-year-old’s debut in the APRC and also his first time of competing on tyres made by the Indian manufacturer MRF. “We had a really good battle with Gaurav over the entire weekend. This gives me the opportunity to improve. I haven’t had much experience with this kind of gravel rally and this is also the first time that I have competed so far away from my home in the Czech Republic. I’m therefore happy with the result,“ said Kopecký.

Gill and Kopecký are now at the top of the drivers’ standings thanks to their one-two finish. The front-runners ŠKODA MRF are also currently on course to defend their title in the manufacturers’ standings ahead of the second race of the season in New Caledonia from 16 to 18 May.
Competing in the APRC is an important step in the Czech car maker’s drive to achieve growth in international markets. ŠKODA is aiming to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million units a year in the next few years and also to achieve strong growth in particular in the Asian growth markets.

The 2014 APRC calendar:

16–18 May: Rallye de Nouvelle-Calédonie – New Caledonia
20–22 June: Rally of Queensland – Australia
15–17 August: Malaysian Rally – Malaysia
26–28 September: Rally Hokkaido – Japan
7–9 November: China Rally – China

[Karlheinz]

Circuit of Ireland Rally: ŠKODA drivers
aiming for Easter surprise

› Lappi/Ferm and Wiegand/Christian to start the ERC round in Northern Ireland
› Rally steeped in tradition celebrates comeback on an international level
› ŠKODA is travelling to Belfast with fond memories

Mladá Boleslav, 14 April 2014 – April showers, ever-changing road surfaces and
thousands of spectators: The Circuit of Ireland Rally is one of the most varied
and oldest rallies in the world. The fourth round of the FIA European Rally
Championship (ERC) in Great Britain, an important ŠKODA market, is one of the
highlights of the year. The Latvia winners Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm
(FIN/FIN) and the duo from Team ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland, Sepp
Wiegand/Frank Christian (D/D), want to pull off an Easter surprise in the
Fabia Super 2000 from the 17th to 19th April 2014.

“It's my first time starting the Circuit of Ireland Rally,” said Lappi. “After the Acropolis
Rally in Greece, Janne and I are breaking new ground once again in Northern Ireland.
The weather can play a key role there. Sunshine, rain or anything else is possible – in
Northern Ireland everything can change in a matter of minutes.”

“Once again it’s not going to be easy going up against the new generation of
turbocharged vehicles of our competitors. But that is no reason for us to bury our heads
in the sand, after all ŠKODA has shown what the Fabia Super 2000 is capable of in
Northern Ireland previously,” explained the Finn. ŠKODA has already won the third oldest
rally in the world twice and has already proved its competitive ability this season.

Lappi celebrated a convincing victory at the first ŠKODA start this year at the Rally
Latvia. At the Acropolis Rally in Greece he managed fourth place, while fellow ŠKODA
driver Wiegand finished in fifth in the day’s standings on Sunday. The 23-year-old from
Zwönitz will start for the second time in the Fabia Super 2000 in Northern Ireland after
his debut in 2012. “My experience in 2012 is only a slight advantage since this year’s
route is completely different,” said Wiegand under no illusion. “This rally is one of the
most difficult asphalt events of the year. The grip level can change in almost every bend,
which can make for a nasty surprise. The changeable weather means that selecting the
tyres is a gamble. I’m looking forward to it.”

After qualifying on Maundy Thursday, which starts with a 4.15-kilometre asphalt stage
just outside the rally centre in Belfast, the Circuit of Ireland Rally gets underway on Good
Friday with ten special stages covering a total of 113.30 kilometres. The rally is then
decided on the closing 117.12 kilometres of timed stages on Saturday, split across eight special stages.

Did you know that …

... the Circuit of Ireland Rally was first held in 1931? This makes it the third oldest automobile rally in the world. On its debut, the event was called the “Ulster Motor Rally”.
... the Circuit of Ireland Rally is traditionally held on the Easter weekend? The start and finish of the rally are usually in Northern Ireland, while parts of the course also ran through Ireland in the past.
... this year, the Circuit of Ireland Rally is part of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) for the first time since 1991? In 2012 it was the third round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), and in 2013 it was not held due to heavy snowfall.

... ŠKODA has already tasted success twice at the Circuit of Ireland Rally? In 2009 local hero Eugene Donnelly (GB) won alongside his co-driver Paddy Toner (GB) in the Fabia WRC; in 2012 the then ŠKODA factory duo Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN) in the Fabia Super 2000 finished first at the rally in Northern Ireland.

... ŠKODA brought home a one-two-three victory at the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 2012? Behind the winning duo of Hänninen/Markkula in the Fabia Super 2000, came Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløne (N/N) and last year’s European Champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) in second and third. Craig Breen/Gareth Roberts (IRL/GB) and Sepp Wiegand/Timo Gottschalk (D/D) finished in sixth and seventh, meaning that a total of five Fabia Super 2000s secured a top 10 spot in the overall standings.

... this year is the second time that ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland driver Sepp Wiegand will start the Circuit of Ireland Rally? In 2012 he finished in seventh, alongside co-driver Timo Gottschalk.
... in 2013 Great Britain became the fourth largest market for the ŠKODA brand? Last year the manufacturer increased deliveries to customers by 24 percent to the new record value of 66,000 vehicles (in 2012: 53,200). This puts Great Britain in fourth place in ŠKODA's worldwide rankings, behind China, Germany and Russia – and ahead of the domestic market in the Czech Republic.

The number for the Circuit of Ireland Rally: 14

At the last Circuit of Ireland Rally in 2012, ŠKODA drivers achieved the best time on all 14 of the special stages held. Juho Hänninen (FIN), who went on to win the rally, was the fastest on eight stages and Andreas Mikkelsen (N) was the fastest on five stages. The victory on the opening stage “Titanic” went to Jan Kopecký (CZ).

FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), Drivers Standings

1. Craig Breen, 63 points; 2. Esapekka Lappi, 59; 3. Vasily Gryazin, 48; 4. Kajetan Kajetanowicz, 44; 5. Robert Kubica, 39; 6. Bryan Bouffier, 31; 7. Vaclav Pech, 30; 8. Raimund Baumschlager, 24; 9. Beppo Harrach, 20; 10. Jaromir Tarabus, 20; 11. Sepp Wiegand, 20; 12. Bruno Magalhães, 14; 13. Andreas Aigner, 12; 14. Jãnis Vorobjovs, 10; 15. Vitaliy Pushkar, 6; 16. Jaroslav Orsák, 6; 17. Roman Odlozilik, 5; 18. Stanislav Travnikov, 5; 19. Jean-Michel Raoux, 4; 20. Robert Consani, 4; 21. Martynas Samuitis, 3; 22. Siim Plangi, 2; 23. Hermann Neubauer, 1; 24. Jan Cerny, 1; 25. Mãrtins Svilis, 1.

[Karlheinz]

Lappi leads Circuit of Ireland at the halfway point
4/18/2014

​ŠKODA duo Lappi/Ferm wins seven of ten special stages on the first day of the ERC rally in Northern Ireland.
Dream start for ŠKODA at the “Circuit of Ireland Rally”: On the first of two rally days around Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital city, the “flying Finns” Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in the Fabia Super 2000 won seven of ten special stages. The duo will start the closing eight stages on Easter Saturday with a 12.6 second advantage. Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian (D/D) of Team ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland are in fourth place halfway through the third oldest rally in the world, trailing their ŠKODA colleagues by 1:49.0 minutes, and have their sights set on a podium finish.

While qualifying on Maundy Thursday was characterized by rain and freezing gusts of wind, the sun shone over Northern Ireland on Good Friday. Perfect conditions for a pure asphalt rally in which the participants had to master countless jumps and bends that are almost impossible to see on the narrow streets typical of this rally.

“It was a great day for the whole team,” said Esapekka Lappi, who won the first seven special stages of the day. “Everything went to plan. The Fabia Super 2000 performed wonderfully and the numerous jumps were a lot of fun. At times the stages felt like 'Finland on asphalt'. Eight more demanding stages await us on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it.”

Fellow ŠKODA driver Sepp Wiegand is within striking distance of the winner's podium, trailing third place by 8.8 seconds. “It's incredible how quickly this rally gets going. I think we've found our rhythm now. We proved this with the two Top 3 times at the end of the day,” said the 23-year-old from Zwönitz. “The podium is within reach. We'll give it our all on Saturday to achieve this goal.”

Number of the day: 7
The first seven special stages of the first day of the “Circuit of Ireland Rally” went to ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in the Fabia Super 2000. In the final three stages on Good Friday the two Finns finished in second, second and third. An all-round successful start to the Easter Weekend for ŠKODA, which was rounded off nicely by Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian securing two Top 3 times.

Circuit of Ireland Rally – Interim results after day:
1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 59:11.2 min
2. Breen/Martin (IRL/GB; Peugeot 208T16 R5) + 12.6 sec
3. Barrable/Loudon (IRL/GB; Ford Fiesta R5) + 1:40.2 min
4. Wiegand/Christian (D/D; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) + 1:49.0 min
5. Moffett/O’Reilly (IRL/IRL; Ford Fiesta RRC) + 2:05.5 min
6. Consani/Vilmot (F/F; Peugeot 207 S2000) + 3:05.4 min
7. Simpson/Mole (GB/GB; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) + 3:53.2 min
8. Moffett/Rowan (IRL/IRL; Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) + 6:00.2 min
9. Ingram/Moreau (GB/F; Renault Twingo R2) + 6:50.5 min
10. Cerny/Kohout (CZ/CZ; Peugeot 208 R2) + 7:02.2 min

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA celebrates one-two victory in Ireland
4/19/2014

ŠKODA duo Lappi/Ferm wins the ERC Rally in Northern Ireland and now leads the championship.
ŠKODA pulled off the Easter surprise they were hoping for: At the Circuit of Ireland Rally, the fourth round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), the brand from Mladá Boleslav celebrated a resounding one-two victory. The “Flying Finns” Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm won ten of the 18 special stages that took place on fast and extremely narrow asphalt streets around Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city. Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian (D/D) of Team ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland rounded off an excellent chase on Easter Saturday with second place. Fifth-placed Neil Simpson/Claire Mole (GB/GB) in their privateer Fabia Super 2000 ensured that three ŠKODAs finished in the Top 5.

“We are delighted that we won in Northern Ireland,” said Esapekka Lappi. “The whole team worked hard for this success. Before the rally we didn’t think that we would lead from start to finish. It was a perfect rally for us. The speed and reliability of the Fabia Super 2000 were crucial in this rally that demands a lot of drivers and vehicles. Our intensive preparations paid off. Thanks and congratulations to the whole team.” With their second victory of the season following their triumph in Latvia, Lappi and Ferm have taken the lead in the drivers’ standings and the co-drivers’ standings of the European Rally Championship.

Wiegand won four special stages on day two of the rally to move up from fourth to second in the overall standings. “It’s a great weight off my mind,” said the 23-year-oldSepp Wiegand. “Our first podium finish in the ERC and even a one-two victory for ŠKODA. We’ve been working towards this since the start of the season. Thanks to the team, the lads gave us a perfect car. We improved over the two days, otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to catch Robert Barrable. This will spur us on for the rest of the season.” Wiegand moved up to third in the drivers’ standings of the ERC.

The number of the Circuit of Ireland Rally: 3
Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN)’s victory sees ŠKODA recorded in the list of winners at the Circuit of Ireland Rally for the third time. In 2009, local hero Eugene Donnelly (GB) won with his co-driver Paddy Toner (GB) in the Fabia WRC, in 2012 the then ŠKODA works duo Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN) in the Fabia Super 2000 finished first in the third oldest rally in the world.

Circuit of Ireland Rally – Final Result

1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2h 06m 15.5s
2. Wiegand/Christian (D/D; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) + 1m 50.0s
3. Barrable/Loudon (IRL/GB; Ford Fiesta R5) + 1m 57.5s
4. Consani/Vilmot (F/F; Peugeot 207 S2000) + 5m 34.0s
5. Simpson/Mole (GB/GB; ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) + 6m 33.5s

[Karlheinz]

At home in Český Krumlov: ŠKODA Motorsport sends its top teams into action

› ŠKODA lines up with European Champions Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ) and current European Championship leaders Lappi/Ferm(FIN/FIN)
› The 42nd Rally Český Krumlov is the second round of the 2014 Czech Rally Championship
› 14 special stages covering 169.10 kilometres await the competitors over the two days

Mladá Boleslav, 28 April 2014 – Czech Rally fans have a real treat in store this weekend. The 42nd staging of the Rally Český Krumlov (2–3 May) will see two of ŠKODA’s works driver teams in action. In addition to the European Champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ), who are primarily competing in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) this season, the duo currently leading the standings in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) in the Fabia Super 2000, will also take part in the asphalt rally in South Bohemia.

“The Rally Český Krumlov is our home race and, as such, is a very special event on the ŠKODA race calendar,” said Luboš Vlček, Director of Sales for the ŠKODA brand in the Czech Republic. “The enthusiasm for rally racing and the ŠKODA Motorsport team in the Czech Republic is incredible. That’s why it is perfectly natural for us to enter our two top teams for this event.”

Kopecký, who won the rally in 2012 in the Fabia Super 2000, is particularly looking forward to the race in his home country. “The APRC challenge is our priority this year,” said last year’s European Champion. “This means that we are looking forward to being able to drive for our home fans all the more. Pavel and I have fond memories of the Rally Český Krumlov, as we won there two years ago. We’ll do our best to climb onto the top step of the podium once again.”

Lappi has the same goal for his outing in Český Krumlov. “We obviously want to be fighting for victory. It’s also the perfect opportunity for us to get some more practice on asphalt,” said the Finn. Lappi won the Circuit of Ireland Rally on the Easter Weekend and leads the ERC as he travels to the city on the Vltava, which has a population of 13,000. “There’s always something special about competing in ŠKODA's home country, even for Janne and me. You can feel the tremendous enthusiasm everywhere here.”

Once the rally gets underway on Friday afternoon, the drivers will take on seven special stages covering 73.32 kilometres. The final three stages of the day will be held in the dark and will be particularly challenging. After a short night, the rally resumes on Saturday morning, when the drivers are faced with 96.78 kilometres over seven special stages.

ŠKODA has already won 14 times in Český Krumlov

ŠKODA already has 14 victories to its name at the rally around the South Bohemian city. Two of these came in the Fabia Super 2000. In 2011, five-time Czech Rally Champion Roman Kresta (CZ) and co-driver Petr Gross (CZ) won the Rally Český Krumlov. A year later it was Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) who won in the city on the Vltava, on their way to their first joint title in the Czech Championship.