ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news

[Karlheinz]

Clear victory for ŠKODA MRF also in New Caledonia

​› Defending Champion Gaurav Gill wins with Glenn Macneall
› Indian also leading driver’s championship after success
› Second ŠKODA win in second APRC Rall

Noumea, New Caledonia, 16. Juni 2013 – ŠKODA leads the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) after two rounds with maximum points. Defending champion Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand) dominated again on the second day of the rally in the South Pacific and achieved a clear victory on the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Their teammates Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Finland), who had won the first competition in New Zealand a month ago, had already retired on Saturday after an accident.

​“That was outstanding, we have gained maximum points in the manufacturer’s championship. This has brought us closer to our aim to win this important championship”, said team manager Pavel Hortek.  „The car was perfect on both days. The support of the whole ŠKODA’s company has further improved our chances“, said the highly satisfied winner. Since only one car per manufacturer is counted for the championship ŠKODA has secured 78 points which is the maximum number after two competitions.

After one special stage had to be cancelled already on Saturday because of rain starting to fall the rally had to be further reduced on day two after heavy rain overnight. Only three special stages could be held, the rally had to be reduced to a total of 174.72 kilometres. Gill won all special stages on the two days bar one which Lappi had secured. At the finish he was almost eight minutes in front of the next competitor. Gill is now also leading the driver’s championship clearly with 69 points. The next competition will be the International Rally of Queensland in Australia from 12. to 14. July on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane.

For Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA, entering the APRC represents an important step in the company’s growth offensive in international markets. ŠKODA has set its sights on increasing its global sales to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018, with particular emphasis on the growth markets in Asia.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA: Wiegand looks to win a podium place in Sardinia

› Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian make their fourth WRC appearance in the Fabia Super 2000 this season
› High hopes for the German ŠKODA pairing in the WRC 2 Championship
› Rally Italy taking place from the 20th to 22nd June

Mladá Boleslav, 17 June 2013 – The German ŠKODA pairing of Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian arrive in Sardinia back in the title hunt. Taking place from 20th to 22nd June, the gravel-based Rally Italy is a real highlight in the World Championship calendar.

There has been a real buzz around the talented ŠKODA team of Wiegand/Christian since the start of the WRC 2 season. After securing victory in the snow at the Monte Carlo Rally, the two ŠKODA aces have also enjoyed two third-placed finishes on the ice in Sweden and on gravel in Portugal. This had propelled the German duo to the top of the WRC’s overall standings. After playing no part in the previous two races, the 22-year-old Wiegand and his co-driver, six years his senior, are now hungry for more success.

"I can hardly wait to get back behind the wheel. Of course, we are up against some stiff competition in Sardinia, but we want to be on the attack. I'm hoping for a place on the podium," said Wiegand. The German has only taken part in three of the six races staged so far this season in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Despite this, he is currently sitting in fourth place with real hopes of mounting a challenge at the top of the leaderboard. This is a real possibility in view of the fact that each team's six best results are chosen to decide the champion at the end of the season.

"The fight at the top will remain open until the very last race. We have good chances of staying in the mix, if we continue to drive fast without making any mistakes," said Wiegand. Boulders on the side of the track are a particular hazard that makes driving in Sardinia no mean task. In addition, the Rally Italy is completely new territory for the ŠKODA driver.

"I have heard lots about Sardinia though, and am looking forward to the challenge. Gravel is my favourite road surface. This is possibly due to my previous life in motorbikes – I feel happy on gravel," said Wiegand.
The rally will be staged over 16 stages covering 304.50 kilometres in the stunning backdrop of Sardinia. Spectacular jumps such as 'Mickey's Jump' and stunning river crossings are particular highlights for the thousands of fans that flock to the rally's gravel tracks.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA looks to win the season´s first home rally


› Jan Kopecký & Pavel Dresler to make their first appearance on Czech tracks this year
› The factory crew top the European Rally Championship standings
› Kopecký & Dresler wish to repeat their victory from last year


Mladá Boleslav, 17 June, 2013 – ŠKODA yearns to succeed at its first home rally this year. The Hustopeče Rally will see the brand´s factory crew make their first appearance on home tracks this year. Jan Kopecký & Pavel Dresler wish to repeat their victory from last year. The factory crew are top of the ERC standings.
The Hustopeče Rally is the fourth event of this year´s International Championship of the Czech Republic. ŠKODA´s factory crew who are about to make their first appearance on home tracks this year in Hustopeče won the season´s first event, the Jänner Rally in Austria.


Kopecký is optimistic: “Our ambition is to show a good performance also to our home fans and win the event. We are looking forward to Hustopeče a great deal, it´s one of our favourite events. The atmosphere will be great and the home drivers are certainly tough competition.”


Taking place in the surroundings of Hustopeče, the rally is scheduled for June 21- 22 (Friday and Saturday) and is composed of 12 special stages (174.22 competition kilometres).

[Karlheinz]

A Friday evening of ill fortune: ŠKODA driver Wiegand retires at the Rally Italy


› Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian make a good start in Sardinia
› A Friday evening of ill fortune: the German ŠKODA AUTO retire


Olbia, Sardinia, 22 June 2013 – A day that promised so much success ended in misfortune for Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian. The German ŠKODA duo started superbly on the first day of the Rally Italy, lying second in the WRC 2 support category standings after the first six stages in Sardinia. However, the pair was forced to retire because of technical issues in the final stage of the evening.
"At first, I wasn't finding it all too easy," said Wiegand. "The break after the Portugal Rally was simply too long. We tried to find our tempo and steadily increase our speed with making any mistakes," Wiegand added.


Although Citroën's Robert Kubica already held a commanding lead in the WRC 2 category after the first six stages, second-placed Wiegand and Christian looked set for a place on the podium.
Yet a technical problem forced Wiegand to retire his Fabia Super 2000 in the final stage of the day. "I don't know if the huge amounts of dust that we were exposed to were responsible," said Wiegand. A detailed analysis of the problem in the service park on late Friday night showed that a comeback at Rally Italy was not possible anymore.

[Karlheinz]

Kopecký completes a hat-trick of Hustopeče Rally victories

› Jan Kopecký & Pavel Dresler convert their first appearance on home tracks this year into victory
› Kopecký wins the Hustopeče Rally for the third consecutive time
› A thrilling battle with runner-up Václav Pech: Kopecký wins by just 2.2 sec
› The factory crew are top of the ERC standings

Hustopeče, 22 June, 2013 – This year´s “home premiere” was a great success indeed. ŠKODA Motorsport´s Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler made their first appearance on home tracks this year at the Hustopeče Rally. After a fierce fight for every tenth of a second, the ŠKODA factory crew won the event for the third consecutive time and achieved the first win on home ground this year.
Commenting on the spectacular battle, Jan Kopecký says: “The rally was a thriller until the very end, and I believe that the fans enjoyed it, too. This event is one of our most favourite ones, and we are therefore very pleased to have won here after such a spectacular battle. I wish to thank the entire team for excellent support.”

The Hustopeče Rally was the fourth event of this year´s International Championship of the Czech Republic. Kopecký/Dresler won the season´s first event, the Jänner Rally in Austria that was part of both the ERC and the Czech Championship. With three victories (Austria, Canary Islands, Azores) and one second place (Corsica), the Czech crew are top of the ERC standings.
Having won in Hustopeče (and thus completing a hat-trick of victories at this event), Kopecký is in the game for the home title, although his priority this year is the ERC.

Scheduled to take place over 12-14 July in Mladá Boleslav and its surroundings, the next event of the International Championship of the Czech Republic is the 40th Bohemia Rally, and Kopecký/ Dresler will be on the start line again.

[Karlheinz]

ERC: Rallying legend Loix drives for ŠKODA in Belgium

› Freddy Loix already twice a winner in the ŠKODA at his home rally in Ypres
› Partnered by Frederic Miclotte in the Fabia S2000
› ŠKODA’s Kopecký/Dresler lead in the ERC's overall standings

Mladá Boleslav, 24 June 2013 – Legendary Belgian racer Freddy Loix is set to compete at his home rally for ŠKODA Motorsport in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). The 42-year-old has already enjoyed success at Ypres Rally on two occasions for the Czech car manufacturer. His home rally will be taking place from 27th to 29th June this year. After five races, ŠKODA, headed by the Czech duo of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, leads the way in the ERC overall standings.

"I'm really happy to be back behind the wheel of the ŠKODA Fabia S2000 for the Ypres Rally. I have a lot of very good memories here driving in this great car," said Loix. The Belgian ŠKODA driver tasted victory at his home rally in 2010 and 2011. In his whole career, Loix has racked up seven wins in Ypres. His place on the grid with co-driver Frederic Miclotte has been made possible through the support of ŠKODA Belgium. The two have proven to be quite the successful pairing – with the help of Loix ŠKODA was also able to secure the ERC constructor's title in 2010 and 2011.

"I would like to thank all our partners, who have been able to make this possible," Loix said. "If you're aware of the over 112-year history of ŠKODA in motor racing and the importance of the Ypres Rally, you know how special this rally is to all of us. The fight for places on the podium will be keenly contested." Yet the seasoned pro is optimistic that he will be competitive in the Fabia S2000 from the very first stage and then build on this this throughout the event.

Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler have already impressed when demonstrating how fast the ŠKODA Fabia S2000 can go on various road surfaces. From the four ERC races they have competed in so far this season, they have celebrated victory in Austria, in the Canary Islands and in the Azores, as well as taking second place in Corsica. With 146 points, the Czech pairing is reigning supreme at the top of the standings.
Loix has 297.93 kilometres divided into 20 stages in total ahead of him at the challenging rally in Belgium.

[Karlheinz]

kratak pregled od 28.06.2013.

Superb display in the rain: Belgian ŠKODA driver Loix dominates on home soil

Ieper, 28 June 2013 – ŠKODA driver Freddy Loix dominated the first day at his home rally in Belgium. In rainy conditions, the 42-year-old rallying legend and his co-driver Frederic Miclotte put on a stunning display at the FIA European Rally Championship's (ERC) sixth meeting of the season, winning five of the six stages.

Rallying legend Loix triumphs for ŠKODA in Belgium

Ieper, 29 June 2013 – Belgian rallying legend Freddy Loix secured a superb victory for ŠKODA on home soil. Despite coming up against challenging weather conditions, the 42-year-old celebrated with co-driver Frederic Miclotte in the Fabia S2000 an impressive start-to-finish victory at the FIA European Rally Championship's (ERC) sixth race of the season. ŠKODA, spearheaded by the Czech duo of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, also leads the way in the ERC overall standings at the halfway point in the season.

Jan Kopecký looks to win Bohemia Rally

Mladá Boleslav, 8 July 2013 – After winning the Hustopeče Rally, ŠKODA Motorsport´s Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (factory crew) are looking to win also the Bohemia Rally. Taking place in the surroundings of Mladá Boleslav, the place of the brand´s head office and the very heart of ŠKODA, the 40th Bohemia Rally promises a fierce fight for every second. ŠKODA is again the event´s General Partner.

ŠKODA wants successful start to continue in Australia

Mladá Boleslav, 8 July 2013 – With two victories from two races in the bag, the factory supported ŠKODA MRF team goes into the Queensland Rally in Australia (12-14 July) as the hot favourites. ŠKODA pairings Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Finland) and Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand) want to continue their successful starts to the season at this third stop in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).

Team ŠKODA MRF leads Rally of Queensland in Australia at halftime

Caloundra 13. July 2013 – After two wins from two starts the newly formed ŠKODA MRF team dominated again on the first day of the International Rally of Queensland in Australia. Esapekka Lappi and his co-driver Janne Ferm (Finland) in their ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 have a clear lead over their team mates Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand).

Bohemia Rally 2013: Kopecký/Dresler top the standings after Day 1

Mladá Boleslav, 13 July, 2013 –ŠKODA Motorsport´s Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (factory team) top the standings after Day 1 of the 40th Bohemia Rally. After today´s final super special stage on the Autodrome site in Sosnová, Kopecký/Dresler are 16.3 s ahead of the runners-up.

Team ŠKODA MRF scores clear victory at International Rally of Queensland

Caloundra, Australia 14. July 2013 – The newly formed team ŠKODA MRF has dominated in the third round of this year’s Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm in a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 secured the International Rally of Queensland in Australia by a big margin.

ŠKODA Motorsport celebrates victory at Bohemia Rally

Mladá Boleslav, 14 July, 2013 – ŠKODA is celebrating victory on its home ground. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler in a factory Fabia Super 2000 have won the Bohemia Rally to convert their third appearance in this year´s Czech Championship into a third victory.

Romania: Kopecký back on title hunt for ŠKODA

Mladá Boleslav, 22 July 2013 – The Czech racing duo of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler will recommence ŠKODA’s challenge for the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) title in Romania. The Sibiu Rally, which will be taking place from the 25 to 27 July, kicks off the critical phase of this prestigious competition. The ŠKODA team has a healthy lead in the ERC overall standings at the halfway point.

Kopecký leads for ŠKODA at the halfway point in Romania

Sibiu, 26 July 2013 – Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) kept everything under control during the night to lead at the halfway point of the Sibiu Rally in Romania. The ŠKODA duo have opened up a 15.4-second lead over France's Francois Delecour going into day two of the seventh race of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA’s Kopecký drives superbly to take fourth ERC win of the season

› 3:12.8 -minute lead over Delecour
› Ten stage victories on a tricky course
› ŠKODA duo Kopecký and Dresler extend their lead in the ERC’s overall standings

Sibiu, 27 July 2013 – Jan Kopecký und Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) put in a superb performance to take their fourth victory of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season at the Sibiu Rally in Romania. This latest success has extended the ŠKODA pairing’s lead at the top of the overall standings and gives them an excellent opportunity to win the Championship.

“That was a really tough race – the course is demanding and the temperatures are high. With lots of loose stones around, there is a high risk of puncture. Yet we were able to overcome all that and secure another ERC victory for ŠKODA this year. It’s fantastic,” said Kopecký. “I would also like to thank my co-driver Pavel and the entire team, because in these conditions everyone has to give 100 per cent.”

In the first outing in Romania, the team once again produced a convincing display in the ŠKODA Fabia S 2000. After a careful start spent establishing a 15.4-second gap between them and Frenchman Francois Delecour over the first day, Kopecký and Dresler continued to extend their lead in the second half of the rally.
The Czech team avoided making any mistakes on the extremely difficult gravel dirt roads, which are also littered with large rocks. Cheered on by thousands of fans engrossed in the action, they were able to win ten of the thirteen stages. One stage was cancelled due to safety concerns.

The triumph in Romania was the ŠKODA duo’s fourth in the ERC this season, after victories in Austria, the Canary Islands and the Azores; the Czech team also had a second place finish on Corsica. This represents a perfect start to the second half of the season for Kopecký, who has now extended his lead at the top of the Driver’s Championship. The Sibiu Rally was the first of six ERC events taking place in the second half of the season; the best four results will go towards the final standings.

The ERC’s next stop is in the Czech Republic for the Barum Rally, which will be taking place from the 30 August to 1 September. ŠKODA’s Kopecký and Dresler will have home advantage in what will be the stand out race of their season. Kopecký commented: “Although the pressure on us will be incredibly high, we’re looking forward to our home rally.”

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA driver Wiegand optimistic ahead of home event

› Rally Germany from 22nd to 25th August in the region around Trier
› Fifth WRC start this year in the Fabia Super 2000 for Wiegand/Christian
› Podium chance for the German ŠKODA duo in the WRC 2 championship

Mladá Boleslav, 19 August 2013 – ŠKODA duo Sepp Wiegand (D) and Frank Christian (D) are optimistic ahead of their home event at the Rally Germany (22 to 25 August). The race on the asphalt roads around Trier and the subsequent Barum Rally in ŠKODA’s home of the Czech Republic (30 August to 1 September) represent the highlight of the season for the number one German pairing.

“I am really looking forward to our home rally. We want to show the fans what we and the Fabia Super 2000 are capable of,” said Wiegand prior to his fifth start in the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). “As always, the goal is to finish on the podium. We are doubly motivated to do well after the bad luck we had in Sardinia and last year in Germany.”

The talented ŠKODA crew of Wiegand/Christian opened the season with an eye-catching performance in WRC-2. Victory on the snow at the Rally Monte Carlo was followed by two third places on the ice in Sweden and the gravel roads of Portugal.
“The battle at the top remains exciting. Our goal is to be up there challenging with the front-runners,” said Wiegand. The Rally Germany begins on 22nd August in front of Cologne Cathedral. The drivers will then tackle 16 special stages and 371.92 kilometres against the clock. Over 200,000 fans are expected to make the annual pilgrimage to the event.

Immediately after their home event, Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian will head to the Czech Republic to face their next big challenge in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). Over 300,000 fans are expected to watch the Czech automobile manufacturer’s home rally. Wiegand: “The starts in Germany and the Czech Republic are the highlight of the season for us. We obviously want to make the most of these two opportunities.”

Source: ŠKODA AUTO

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA sets sights on fourth victoryin Malaysia

› Fourth leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
› Successful ŠKODA duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm lead overall standings
› Gravel rally with 15 stages covering 219.90 kilometres

Mladá Boleslav, 20 August 2013 – After three successful races, the works-assisted ŠKODA MRF team now lines up at the fourth round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in Malaysia. Championship leaders Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) and the second ŠKODA pairing of Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ) have their sights set on taking another step towards the title in both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ competitions from 23 to 25 August.

“We have to be clever. The rally has a lot of jumps and we will be faced with high temperatures,” said Lappi. “However, we are there to score more points.” The flying Finn won the season-opener in New Zealand and added a second victory at the recent APRC rally in Australia. In New Caledonia it was the turn of fellow ŠKODA duo Gill/Macneall to triumph, meaning the Czech manufacturer remains undefeated in the APRC this season – and ŠKODA is hopeful it will remain that way in Malaysia.

Experienced Indian driver Gaurav Gill is determined to be back among the front-runners following his early retirement at the rally in Australia: “We were just unlucky in Australia. That won’t happen again. We have a great car and a great team. We must obviously also bear the Manufacturers’ Championship in mind.” ŠKODA holds a significant lead at the halfway point of this competition. In the Drivers’ Championship, meanwhile, Lappi leads as well. The next round in the Malaysian state of Johor features 15 gravel stages covering 219.90 kilometres, with the anticipated heat set to make it a real test for man and machine.

For Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA, entering the APRC represents an important step in the company’s growth offensive in international markets. ŠKODA has set its sights on increasing its global sales to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018, with particular emphasis on the growth markets in Asia. “The APRC, as one of the region’s most important motorsport events, provides us with outstanding opportunities to present the ŠKODA brand to a large public,” said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at ŠKODA.

Source: ŠKODA AUTO

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA in third place: good start to home rally for Wiegand

› ŠKODA duo Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian on course for WRC 2 podium finish
› Exciting start in front of Cologne Cathedral
› Six special stages over a distance of 131.36 kilometres on Friday

Trier, Germany, 22 August 2013 – Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian got off to a good start in their home event, Rally Germany, in their ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. After the first two of a total of 16 special stages, the German duo are third in the WRC 2 category and are on course for the podium finish they have set their sights on.​
“I’m very happy with the first two stages in the Eifel region,” said Wiegand after his successful performance in the ninth race of the current FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season. “And I hope things stay the way they are,” he said, looking ahead to the next few days. With 37.64 special stage kilometres behind them, he now trails the first-placed Pole, Robert Kubica, by just 23.2 seconds in the WRC 2 category.

The ŠKODA duo demonstrated that they are a class act in the very first special stage, Blankenheim, which is a new addition to the itinerary. The tough opener, which alternated between slow and fast bends and also ups and downs, really put the drivers through their paces. Rally Germany officially got under way on Roncalliplatz right in front of Cologne’s impressive cathedral. There was a great deal of interest in the event, with thousands of fans flocking to the presentation of the drivers.

The rally continues on Friday with three special stages in the vineyards of the Moselle region, each of which will be driven twice. In all, the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland duo Wiegand and Christian will rack up 371.92 kilometres in the course of their home rally that continues until Sunday, with the proceedings including highlights such as the “Panzerplatte” stage.

[Karlheinz]

Wiegand on course for podium position at Rally Germany halfway mark

› ŠKODA duo Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian ranked third in WRC 2 category
› Best German driver: “I have a good feeling”
› Matthias Kahle thrills rally fans in legendary 130 RS

Trier, Germany, 23 August 2013 – At the halfway point in Rally Germany, Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian are on course for a podium position for ŠKODA. The top German duo are ranked third in the WRC 2 category after eight of their home rally’s 16 special stages. The highlight of the ninth event in this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) will be Saturday’s “Panzerplatte” special stage in Baumholder, which the entrants will each drive twice.

“We’re increasingly getting into the swing of things. We had a better second half of the day and I have a good feeling overall,” said 22-year-old Wiegand after a hot pursuit through the vineyards of the Moselle region. “I’ll do my very best,” he said, looking ahead to the second half of his home rally and the prospect of making it onto the winners’ rostrum.

Wiegand and Christian had difficult conditions to contend with on their first time round the “Mittelmosel”, “Moselland” and “Grafschaft” special stages on Friday morning, as their radio system was playing up. These three challenging stages featuring narrow dirt tracks through the well-known Moselle wine-growing region and alternating between slow and fast bends were then driven again on Friday afternoon. And once again, the ŠKODA team didn’t make any significant mistakes in the Fabia Super 2000.

In the supporting programme along the route, the thousands of fans were treated to the sight of the seven-time German rally champion Matthias Kahle behind the wheel of the legendary ŠKODA 130 RS. Kahle performed some daring drifts and jumps in the historic rear-wheel drive car dating back to 1975. This cult vehicle, which scored a category win at Rally Monte Carlo in 1977, will also be making an appearance on Saturday. The highlight will undoubtedly be the “Panzerplatte” stage in Baumholder.

[Karlheinz]

APRC: ŠKODA can defend lead

› Four special stages won, then problems for Lappi and Gill
› Difficult conditions in Malaysia
› Gill wants to score points for Team ŠKODA MRF on day two

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 24 August 2013 – ŠKODA has an excellent chance to defend his lead in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) for manufacturers and drivers after the first day of Rally Malaysia. Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand) will attack to score important points for their team in their ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 in Johor Bahru on Sunday.

Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Finland/Finland) had to abandon the rally which was held under almost irregular conditions for security reasons after a technical problem. “Of course that is very regrettable”, said Lappi, after parking his car in the Service Park. The 22 year old talent wants to attack again next week: He will make his debut in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) at the home event of ŠKODA at the Barum Czech Rally in Zlin.
His teammate Gill slid of the course of the infamous muddy tracks in the banana and palm plantations like almost all other competitors. His car had to be towed, but the ŠKODA MRF mechanics were able to fix the damage. ŠKODA had dominated the first four special stages at the beginning of the rally.

The experienced Indian Gill can not win the rally anymore but could collect seven important points for his team. To achieve this he has to win all seven stages in his sixth Rally Malaysia on Sunday. “I will give my best”, said Gill. He could be rewarded with the lead in the driver’s championship currently held by Lappi.

[Karlheinz]

No luck for ŠKODA driver Wiegand in his home event

› ŠKODA duo Wiegand/Christian damage their wheel suspension
› “It’s incredibly frustrating that this happened”

Trier, Germany, 24 August 2013 – Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian had a podium position within their grasp in their home event, Rally Germany, only for the ŠKODA duo to then be plagued by bad luck. During the last special stage of the third day, the pair slid off the wet course and damaged their rear left wheel suspension. But Wiegand will be back in action on Sunday thanks to the Rally 2 rule.

“It’s incredibly frustrating that this happened. Until that point, things had been going really well for us,” Wiegand said. The 22-year-old had already finished third twice in the WRC 2 category during Saturday’s stages and was only a fraction behind the driver placed third overall when the unfortunate incident happened.
Wiegand nonetheless made it to the finishing line of the 13th special stage, “Peterberg 2”, in spite of losing a lot of time, but his car was no longer able to make it to the service park in Trier. His ŠKODA was therefore towed away to be repaired by the mechanics in preparation for Sunday.

The day’s proceedings were overshadowed by a fatal accident involving one of the historic cars taking part in a non-competitive show in which both the Dutch driver and co-driver sadly died. ŠKODA would like to send its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to their families. The second “Panzerplatte Baumholder” stage was subsequently cancelled, but Rally Germany will be continued as planned on Sunday.

[Karlheinz]

Malaysia: ŠKODA extends lead in APRC

› Gaurav Gill takes over the lead in the driver’s championship in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000
› ŠKODA driver wins all seven special stages of day two

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 25. August 2013 –ŠKODA has extended its lead in the championship for manufacturers in the fourth leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand) won all seven special stages of the Rally Malaysia in their ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 on Sunday. Gill took over the lead in the championship for drivers leading his team mates Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm. The Fins had to give up on Saturday after a technical problem had forced the team to resign from the rally for security reasons.

The extreme nature of the rally on the muddy tracks of the banana and palm plantations at the southern end of Malaysia was proven by the fact that only one APRC team finished all special stages. The two ŠKODA pilots had devided the previous legs for the APRC title amongst themselves. Lappi won the opening leg in New Zealand, Gill the next rally in New Caledonia, it was Lappi again in Queensland in Australia.
Gill was only halfway satisfied with his lead in the overall score of the APRC. “We were in the lead on Saturday until I gave away the victory at Rally Malaysia with a mistake. I paid dearly for that, but at least I could win points for ŠKODA. Now we have to work together to secure the title.” Team manager Pavel Hortek said: “We knew it would be extremely difficult and that turned out to be true. Luckily the developments in the Rally allowed us to even extend our lead.”

Lappi has the chance to attack again next weekend already: The 22 year old talent will give his season debut in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) at the home event of ŠKODA at the Barum Czech Rally in Zlin. „I am looking forward enormously to start at the home of ŠKODA“, said Lappi before he went on the long trip back to Europe.

The next APRC Rally will be held on September 28 and 29 in Japan.