ENG: Škoda Official MotorSport news

[Karlheinz]

Success for ŠKODA in China: Kopecký puts finishing touch to an outstanding season

› Triumph in the “China Rally Longyou” gives ŠKODA six wins in the six events of the APRC season
› Fabia Super 2000 is the fastest and most reliable car
› Title hat-trick for ŠKODA in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ standings* in the APRC
› Titles also won in the ERC* and four national championships for the Fabia Super 2000

Longyou, China, 9 November 2014 – It’s a day of celebration for ŠKODA: the driving duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) have put the icing on the cake of an outstanding season with a win at the final event in China. By winning the “China Rally Longyou”, the Czech automobile manufacturer concludes the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) with a perfect track record of six wins in six races. ŠKODA has therefore completed a title hat-trick in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ standings with its successful Fabia Super 2000. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a successful season: Esapekka Lappi (FIN) secured the drivers’ title for ŠKODA in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) for the third consecutive year and the Czech company has also notched up four national championship wins with the Fabia Super 2000.

“It’s the perfect end to the season for ŠKODA! Once again, we have shown everyone what a highly competitive and successful racing car our engineers have been able to develop with the Fabia Super 2000. We can celebrate title wins in what are the most important championships for us, the ERC and the APRC. And then there are our four national championship wins too. I think the results speak for themselves. I would like to thank all the drivers and the entire ŠKODA racing team for an outstanding year,” commented ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “It’s fantastic that we have been able to attract attention to ŠKODA yet again at the end of the season – especially as it’s in our most important market around the world, China. Our cars delighted thousands of fans here.”

Kopecký comfortably scored his fourth victory of the season in spite of rain and very challenging track conditions on gravel and concrete, to add to his previous wins in New Caledonia, Australia and Japan in his premiere APRC season. His teammates Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ) drove the factory-backed ŠKODA MRF team to victory in the other two APRC rallies in New Zealand and Malaysia.
Kopecký scored the third drivers’ championship win in a row for ŠKODA in the APRC, following on from Chris Atkinson (AUS) in 2012 and Gaurav Gill in 2013. In addition, the 32-year-old is the first ever driver to have won the drivers’ championship title in both the ERC and the APRC in consecutive years. Pavel Dresler picked up the co-drivers’ title.

“This is obviously a huge success for us. We all knew the APRC would be a tough championship, but it was even harder than we had expected. The championship title therefore means all the more to us! I would like to thank the guys in the team and also my co-driver Pavel Dresler, without whom I would have been lost on the new tracks in these far-flung places,” Kopecký commented. His teammate Gaurav Gill, who was unable to finish the rally due to suspension damage, congratulated his successor as the APRC champion: “It was a tough duel, and Jan deserves the title. Obviously, I would have liked to have won in China, but I’m delighted to have been able to play a part in ŠKODA’s success this year.” With the final event of the season all wrapped up, the two ŠKODA duos will now go on an advertising tour in Shanghai, in the brand’s key global market of China.

In addition to its title hat-trick in the APRC’s manufacturer and driver standings, ŠKODA had cause to celebrate on the other side of the world this weekend too, with its driver duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) picking up the drivers’ and co-drivers’ championship titles in the ERC. This therefore means that a ŠKODA driver was crowned the European champion for the third time in a row at the end of the season final in Corsica on Saturday. The high-tech four-wheel drive vehicle from Mladá Boleslav also clinched title wins in four national rally championships.

The experienced Belgian rally driver ‘Fast’ Freddy Loix won the Belgian championship title. Before this, Pedro Meireles (P) won the championship in Portugal with the support of ŠKODA Portugal. Also, the old hand Raimund Baumschlager (A) picked up his twelfth rally championship title in Austria in the Fabia Super 2000. And the two Poles Grzegorz Grzyb/Robert Hundla walked away with the championship title in Slovakia.
* Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA.

The number of the “China Rally Longyou”: 11

There were 13 special stages in the final event of the season – and a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 was at the top of the fastest times list on eleven occasions. The new champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler drove the fastest times in nine of the special stages, while their teammates Gill/Macneall were slightly faster in two of the stages.

APRC Calendar 2014:

11–13 April: Rally Whangarei – New Zealand
16–18 May: Rally New Caledonia – New Caledonia
20–22 June: Rally Queensland – Australia
15–17 August: Rally Malaysia – Malaysia
26–28 September: Rally Hokkaido – Japan
7–9 November: China Rally Longyou – China

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 thrills users on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter with its zebra look

› Great interest in ŠKODA’s next rally car
› Facebook posts showing camouflaged car achieve record number of clicks
› Concept car at the Essen Motor Show from 29 November
› Making-of video released on Friday

​Mladá Boleslav, 21 November 2014 – ŠKODA’s new rally car has been thrilling the public around the world on social media channels. The posts showing videos and images of the Fabia R 5 in its ‘camouflaged’ zebra look have achieved record figures on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. A concept car of the high-tech model developed in Mladá Boleslav will be presented to the public for the first time at the Essen Motor Show from 29 November to 7 December.
​ŠKODA has been releasing the first images and videos of the new Fabia R 5 in the social media since mid-October.

They have prompted an impressive reaction from users: in the months September to November, three posts regarding the new rally car have made it to the top of the list of articles on the ŠKODA Motorsport Facebook page that have enjoyed the greatest coverage. The posts about the new Fabia R 5 have been up to ten times more popular than other articles. On ŠKODA’s global Facebook account, the latest film about the Fabia R 5 alone has so far reached almost 1.5 million users, with over 50,000 fans having watched the video on YouTube.

“The interest in the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 is huge. The concept of viral marketing via social media channels has been a total success,” said Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing. “Rally fans are not the only ones discussing ŠKODA’s new rally car – it is also arousing positive emotions towards the ŠKODA brand among the general public.”

A short film with spectacular images taken in an underground garage, which alludes to the launch of the Fabia R 5 Concept Car at the Essen Motor Show, has proven to be particularly popular. The car in the film is driven by Asia-Pacific Rally Champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) who is part of the test team, which also includes European Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN), experienced rally driver “Fast” Freddy Loix (B) and multiple Austrian champion Raimund Baumschlager.

“We are well on schedule with the challenging R 5 project, which began in January 2014. The goal remains to have the car homologated by mid-2015 at the latest,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. That is when the Fabia R 5 is also expected to make its rally debut. As well as the sporty exterior, the new Fabia R 5 also features a lot of high-tech. In keeping with FIA regulations, the new racing car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine. This is a big change compared to the two-litre induction engine used in the Fabia Super 2000. The new car also features a sequential, five-speed gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight will, in accordance with the regulations, be no lower than 1230 kilograms.

There is enormous interest in ŠKODA’s new rally hope: during the viral marketing campaigns for the new Fabia R 5, the number of ‘likes’ received on the ŠKODA Motorsport Facebook page shot up by 40,000 to 217,000. A similarly positive development has been witnessed on Twitter, where the number of followers has risen to over 6000 on the back of the social media communication regarding the new rally car. As well as the sporty appearance of the new Fabia R 5, the camouflage look with black and white zebra stripes has also gone down particularly well with the public.

ŠKODA released new material on its new hope this Friday. The fourth video of the new Fabia R 5 will provide an exclusive look into the making-of a film made for the car’s first outing at the Essen Motor Show. The captivating footage was filmed in an underground car park in Prague.

[Karlheinz]

Pure emotion: ŠKODA at the Essen Motor Show
26.11.2014 | category: Events

​› World premiere: ŠKODA displays concept of its new rally car, the Fabia R 5
› German premiere for the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi
› Punchy: special Monte Carlo edition of the Rapid Spaceback, Yeti and Citigo
› ŠKODA Octavia RS and ŠKODA show cars: Yeti Xtreme, CitiJet and Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey Collection
› ŠKODA in Essen: sporty presence over 2,000 m² in Hall 3.0

​Mladá Boleslav, 26 November 2014 – Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA will treat visitors to this year’s Essen Motor Show with a presence packed with emotion. The highlight is an opportunity to see the concept version of the new rally car, the ŠKODA Fabia R 5, for the first time. The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi, will be making its first public appearance in Germany. ŠKODA will also be exhibiting the Octavia RS, the fastest production Octavia ever. As if that were not enough, visitors can also marvel at the sporty Monte Carlo special editions of the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback, ŠKODA Yeti and ŠKODA Citigo, as well as the meaty show cars – the ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme, ŠKODA CitiJet and ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey Collection.

​The Essen Motor Show is the largest trade fair for tuning, motorsport and sporty production vehicles in Germany. It takes place from 29 November to 7 December 2014.

“ŠKODA plans to continue growing over the coming years with new models, focusing both on functional aspects and emotion,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “Our vehicles in Essen underpin this claim. One particular highlight is the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 Concept Car, which gives a first insight into our new rally car. The concept is based on the new ŠKODA Fabia, which demonstrates more emotion than ever before, in both the hatchback and estate versions,” said Welsch.

“The world premiere of the Fabia R 5 Concept Car gives an insight into the future of rallying at ŠKODA,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The Fabia R 5 is scheduled to be homologated by mid-2015.” The new Fabia R 5 features a lot of high-tech. In keeping with FIA regulations, the new racing car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine. The new car also features a sequential, five-speed gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight will, in accordance with the regulations, be at least 1230 kilograms. A number of top ŠKODA drivers were also involved in the development of the new Fabia R 5.

Customer racing teams have already shown huge interest in the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5. No wonder: after all, its predecessor, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, has all but guaranteed its teams and drivers titles. The 2014 rally season, which has just drawn to an end, saw ŠKODA and the Fabia Super 2000 achieve a hat-trick of titles* in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). On top of this, ŠKODA also won the Drivers’ title in the FIA European Rally Championship and a further five national championships. These and the huge amount of success already achieved in previous years make the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 project, which was launched in 2009, the most successful project in the company’s motorsport history, which now spans 113 years.

The new ŠKODA Fabia is also set to catch the eye in Essen. Launched for the first time in Paris just two months ago, the compact car is making its first appearance in Germany in the combi version. “The new Fabia is simply more car in every regard, featuring expressive design, innovative technology and high functionality,” said Dr. Welsch.

As the brand’s first ever production model, the compact car, which was developed from scratch, shows the evolution of the ŠKODA design into a distinctive, punchy design. The far more angular appearance of the hatchback and combi features crystalline forms, sharp lines and balanced, tight proportions. At the same time, the new model also impresses with innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems, making it more environmentally-friendly than ever before. It also boasts the generous space that is so typical of ŠKODA vehicles – including the largest boot in the compact car class – and high functionality, with up to 19 practical, ‘simply clever’ solutions.

Other sporty ŠKODA models on display in Essen underline the brand’s sporty credentials. With a top speed of 248 km/h, the ŠKODA Octavia RS is the fastest production Octavia of all time. The new Monte Carlo special editions of the Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback ŠKODA models also boast sporty, individual design and comprehensive standard equipment at excellent value for money.

Three exciting studies complete the Czech manufacturer’s presence at the Essen Motor Show. The ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme show car is a pumped-up compact SUV with rally ambitions and state-of-the-art technology. Design highlights: matt-grey paint, 17-inch alloys, dark discs, big bumper, LED headlights, striking mudguards, powerful rocker panels and rear bumper, and broad tailpipes on the dual exhaust. Furthermore, the interior also draws inspiration from ŠKODA’s rally background.

A dynamic city convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo, the ŠKODA CitiJet features a striking metallic paintwork in blue/white and racy, blue 16-inch alloy wheels, hand-made rear spoiler and a powerful exhaust with two tailpipes. The interior is based on the interior of the ŠKODA Citigo SPORT special edition. Also on board: a special 300-watt sound system and blue LED interior lighting that reacts to the music. Finally, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey is a sporty edition of the manufacturer’s first compact hatchback model.

* Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA

[Karlheinz]

FIA honours ŠKODA rally champions for their victories in the ERC and APRC

› Hat-trick of Drivers’ titles in both the APRC and the ERC: Asia-Pacific champions Kopecký/Dresler and European champions Lappi/Ferm receive their trophies
› ŠKODA also recognised for third Manufacturers’ title in a row in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
› Development of the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 in full swing

​Doha, 6 December 2014 – A big day for the ŠKODA Motorsport team: the Czech automobile manufacturer’s drivers have been crowned Asia-Pacific and European rally champions for the third time in a row by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). As well as the trophies, ŠKODA also received plenty of recognition from the elite of the motorsport world, who had gathered in the Qatari capital Doha for the official award ceremony for the 2014 season.

The Fabia Super 2000 also became the most successful model in ŠKODA’s 113-year motorsport history.
​“We can be proud of the success we achieved with our Fabia Super 2000 last year. And the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team once again did a great job,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “A big thank you obviously goes to our crews, for whom the trophies are just reward for an outstanding season,” Hrabánek continued.

In the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), ŠKODA was honoured for completing a hat-trick of back-to-back titles in the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships following a perfect season, with six wins from six races. New champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) also achieved a feat worthy of champions: they became the first duo ever to win the Drivers’ titles in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and then the APRC in consecutive years. Chris Atkinson (AUS) had previously won the APRC Drivers’ title in 2012, while Gaurav Gill (IND), who finished third this year, was crowned champion in 2013.

A team in a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 also won the title in the ERC for the third year in a row, this time courtesy of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN). Fellow ŠKODA duo Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian (D/D) of the ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland team finished runner-up in the continental championship to complete a one-two for ŠKODA. Lappi followed in the footsteps of his compatriot Juho Hänninen (2012) and Kopecký (2013), who also won the European title in a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000.

FIA President Jean Todt presented this year’s title winners Kopecký/Dresler and Lappi/Ferm with their trophies at an award ceremony in Doha. Also among those receiving trophies were Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia. The French pair won the World Rally Championship for Volkswagen for a second year running in 2014. “Congratulations to Volkswagen on their successful title defence. That was a very strong team performance,” said Hrabánek.

The high-tech, four-wheel drive Fabia Super 2000 from Mladá Boleslav once again yielded a good crop of titles. The title went to a crew in a Fabia Super 2000 in no fewer than five national rally championships. The experienced “Fast” Freddy Loix secured the Belgian title, while Pedro Meireles (P), who is supported by ŠKODA Portugal, won the Portuguese championship. Old hand Raimund Baumschlager (A), at the wheel of a Fabia Super 2000, also won his twelfth national rally title in Austria. In Slovakia, it was Poland’s Grzegorz Grzyb/Robert Hundla who ended the season at the top of the standings, while Marouf Abu Samra successfully defended his title in Jordan.

This shower of titles was a fitting end to the incredible success story of the Fabia Super 2000 at ŠKODA Motorsport. From 2015, the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 will follow in the footsteps of the most successful rally car in the company’s 113-year motorsport history. The international public is currently enjoying a preview of ŠKODA’s new rally car at the Essen Motor Show, in the form of an R 5 concept car. “The Fabia R 5 is the future of rallying for us,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The Fabia R 5 is expected to be homologated by mid-2015.”

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Fabia R 5: Development of the new rally car on schedule

​› Asia-Pacific champion Kopecký and European champion Lappi test in Italy and the Czech Republic
› Kopecký: “We are definitely on the right track”
› Fabia R 5 charged with continuing the company’s 114-year motorsport history

​Mladá Boleslav, 16 February 2014 – The development of ŠKODA’s eagerly awaited new rally car is going to plan. Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) and European champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) put the Fabia R 5 through its paces on a wide range of surfaces and weather conditions during a series of comprehensive tests last week. As the successor to the successful Fabia Super 2000, the R 5 is charged with writing the next chapter in the company’s 114-year motorsport success story.

​“We tested the new Fabia R 5 on asphalt and recently on gravel. The new car feels very good on all the surfaces. We are definitely on the right track,” said a happy Kopecký. The experienced 33-year-old took turns with Esapekka Lappi in Italy at the end of January. Finland’s European champion was also impressed with his outings in ŠKODA’s new rally car, which was still sporting its camouflaged ‘zebra’ look: “I think the Fabia R 5 will continue the success story of ŠKODA in motorsport.”

The tests with the Fabia R 5 will continue throughout Europe in the next weeks. Veteran rally driver Freddy Loix (B) and Austria’s multiple champion Raimund Baumschlager are also among the team of drivers giving important input throughout the development of the new car. Customer rally teams are not the only ones showing huge interest in the Fabia R 5, which is being developed based on the new production model of the Fabia. The world premiere of the concept car also caused quite a stir among the public at the Essen Motor Show at the end of November.

The Fabia R 5 features the very latest technology. The new racing car will be equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, in accordance with FIA regulations. This is a big change compared to the two-litre, petrol induction engine in the Fabia Super 2000. The new car is also fitted with a five-speed sequential gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight will be at least 1,230 kilograms, as stipulated in the regulations. The new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 will make its race debut once it has successfully been homologated by the International Automobile Federation FIA. ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “We want to have the new Fabia R 5 approved by mid-2015 and are right on schedule to achieve this.”

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 excites experienced rally driver Jan Kopecký

​› ŠKODA presses ahead with the development of the Fabia R 5
› Works driver Kopecký to test the car throughout Europe in coming weeks
› Kopecký: “We will produce another top-class rally car”

​Mladá Boleslav, 25 February 2015 – Even experienced rally driver Jan Kopecký (CZ) is excited about the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5. After his historic double in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), assisting with the development of the new rally car is a new challenge for the 33-year-old from the Czech Republic. SKODA works driver Kopecký and his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) are important members of ŠKODA Motorsport’s test team.

​“At ŠKODA, a lot of engineers from a wide range of different countries are working perfectly together in a very good team. I am confident that our guys will produce another top-class rally car. My experience of the new Fabia R 5 is definitely very positive so far,” said Kopecký. The Czech driver spent the period around his 33rd birthday on 28th January testing ŠKODA’s latest rally hopeful on various different surfaces. More tests at the wheel of the new Fabia R 5 are planned throughout Europe for the coming days and weeks.

In compliance with FIA regulations, the new racing car is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine. Kopecký is impressed by the four-wheel drive car’s powerful acceleration: “It is great fun to drive this completely new car, with its powerful turbo engine. You obviously have to adapt your driving style, because it is quite a switch from the two-litre induction engine in the Fabia Super 2000.” The Fabia Super 2000 is the most successful rally car in ŠKODA’s 114-year motorsport history and has helped Kopecký to his historic triumphs.

Kopecký backed up his European title in 2013 by winning the continental championship in the Asia-Pacific region the following year. “Those were two fantastic years. The highlight was undoubtedly 2014, when we were able to gain valuable experience on gravel between Australia and China.” Competing in the key ŠKODA market of China, Kopecký/Dresler improved the Czech car manufacturer’s flawless record to six wins from six rallies and completed a hat-trick of titles for ŠKODA in the process.

Jan Kopecký’s plans for the first half of this year focus on developing the new Fabia R 5. The rally car, which is based on the new production model of the Fabia, is already generating a huge amount of interest from customers. The homologation of the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 by the International Automobile Federation FIA is planned for mid-2015. Kopecký, who made his debut for the ŠKODA Motorsport team over a decade ago, is already looking forward to the new, homologated car: “The new Fabia R 5 has everything it needs to continue the success story of ŠKODA in motorsport.”

[Karlheinz]

Spectacular coup: exceptional talent Tidemand bolsters the ŠKODA Motorsport team

​› Pontus Tidemand (S) to line up for the ŠKODA Motorsport team in the future
› He and co-driver Emil Axelsson (S) to compete in the APRC
› New duo to make its works debut for ŠKODA at the Rally New Zealand

​Mladá Boleslav, 26 March 2015 – ŠKODA Motorsport has pulled off a spectacular coup: the exceptionally talented rally driver Pontus Tidemand (S) has signed a contract with the Czech car manufacturer. The former Junior World Rally Champion will drive a ŠKODA in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Tidemand and co-driver Emil Axelsson (S) will make their debut for the ŠKODA works team at the opening round of the APRC in New Zealand from 17th to 19th April.

​“Our team already boasts the Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký and European champion Esapekka Lappi, who have performed impressively in recent years. To ensure we are even better positioned to succeed in the future, we have now added another very talented duo, in the form of Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

24-year-old Tidemand has already emphatically demonstrated his ability over the course of his still fledgling career. After success on the karting scene, he was crowned the youngest ever Swedish Rally Champion in 2011. In 2013 he claimed the title of Junior World Rally Champion, before catching the eye with a number of spectacular outings in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and WRC 2 last year. Tidemand and navigator Emil Axelsson tasted success on numerous occasions, including a class victory at the ADAC Rally Germany.

In signing for ŠKODA Motorsport, Tidemand is now taking the next step on the career ladder. “I am looking forward to the new challenge. I am proud that my name is now on the list of ŠKODA drivers – at one of the most successful manufacturers in rallying,” said Tidemand.

“We will do our utmost to be in contention for podiums and victories as soon as possible,” said experienced co-driver Axelsson (31). The duo already has experience with ŠKODA rally cars: in 2014, they won the Rally Finnskog in Norway in a Fabia Super 2000. They now line up at the opening round of the APRC in New Zealand in the very same model of car.

“We firmly believe in the extraordinary qualities of Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson,” said Hrabánek: “We plan to have our team running the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 in the APRC by the end of the year – after all, the season finale takes place in our most important market, China.”

[Karlheinz]

Milestone for ŠKODA: International Automobile Federation FIA gives green light to new Fabia R 5

​› International Automobile Federation FIA homologates ŠKODA’s new rally car
› Welsch: “Now we can prove just how good our new rally car is”
› Successful Fabia production model forms basis for new rally car

​Mladá Boleslav, 8 April 2015 – Milestone for ŠKODA: the highest authority in motorsport, the International Automobile Federation FIA, has given the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 the green light. Following its successful homologation, the new rally car can now continue the Czech automobile manufacturer’s 114-year motorsport success story on the rally routes of this world. The Fabia R 5 is based on ŠKODA’s new production Fabia and is the successor to the Fabia Super 2000, which went down in history as the most successful rally car in the history of ŠKODA Motorsport.

​“We are delighted that the International Automobile Federation FIA has given us the green light. Now we can prove just how good our new rally car is in the race series,” said ŠKODA Board Member for Development Dr. Frank Welsch. “When working on the third generation production Fabia, which enjoyed an extremely successful start, we incorporated some of the genes from our rally cars and developed the most emotional Fabia ever. Conversely, the production model now formed the basis for the new Fabia R 5.”

ŠKODA’s new rally car is pure high-tech. In compliance with FIA regulations, the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine. That is a considerable change from the two-litre induction engine in the Fabia Super 2000. Furthermore, the new four-wheel drive car also features a five-speed sequential gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight of the car is at least 1,230 kilograms, as stipulated in the regulations. Since the start of the project, ŠKODA Motorsport has invested 15 months of intense development work to fine-tune the car and ensure that the ultra-modern components interact perfectly.

The homologation process is a long and complex procedure, which requires close cooperation with the International Automobile Federation FIA and is made up of several parts. In recent months, the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 has been subjected to a comprehensive approval process, which has now ended successfully with the approval from the FIA. “We are happy that we now have the homologation from the International Automobile Federation FIA under our belt,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The development of our new rally hope was a tiring process and a major challenge for the entire team at ŠKODA Motorsport, to whom I would like to say a big thank you.”

Top drivers such as Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ), European champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN), rally legend “Fast” Freddy Loix (B) and multiple Austrian champion Raimund Baumschlager (AT) provided valuable input during the development of the new rally car. In the run up to the homologation, about 10,000 kilometres of testing were completed on a wide range of roads and conditions, including in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Greece, Spain and Finland. Whether in icy cold or bright sunshine, on asphalt, gravel or snow – the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 successfully passed every test.

There is already great interest in the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 from customer teams. After all, the successor – the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 – was a guarantee of titles. In the 2014 rally season, ŠKODA completed a hat-trick of titles in the Drivers’ and Manufacturer championships in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), while the champion in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) was a ŠKODA works driver for the third time in a row. The list of success achieved last year also includes five national titles. With a total of almost 50 international and national titles in six years, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, which made its first appearance in 2009, is the most successful project in the company’s 114-year motorsport history.

ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “With the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5, we want to follow on from the success we have enjoyed in recent years with speed and reliability on the rally routes of this world. Following the successful homologation, we can now initiate the next phase of the Fabia R 5 project.”

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 – Press Kit

​› Appearance in WRC 2 and the Czech championship for new rally car – scheduled to contest the APRC during the season
› New to the ŠKODA works team: super talent Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson
› Asia-Pacific Champion Jan Kopecký and European Champion Esapekka Lappi to drive for the Czech car manufacturer once again

​Mladá Boleslav, 15 April 2015 – Green light: the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 celebrates its debut on the world's rally tracks. ŠKODA Motorsport will contest three elite rally championships this year. Fans can see the new high-tech four-wheel drive Fabia R 5 in action in the WRC 2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). The new car hoping for victories will also contest the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) during the course of the season. New recruited Swedish super talent Pontus Tidemand will represent ŠKODA in the prestigious championship, with the final being held in the core market of China. Asia-Pacific Champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) and European Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) will also take the wheel for the ŠKODA Motorsport works team – now in the new Fabia R 5.


​"We are delighted that the International Automobile Federation, the FIA, homologated our new ŠKODA Fabia R 5. Now we want to see how competitive our new rally car is," said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. He is hoping that the new Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S/S) team will be a breath of fresh air: "We already have the Asia-Pacific champion and the European champion driving for us, who have both delivered strong performances over the past few years. In Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson we have added another very talented duo to ensure we have an even better standing for the future."

Former Junior World Rally Champion Tidemand and his co-driver will contest the APRC for ŠKODA. His season gets underway with the rally in New Zealand from 17 to 19 April - initially in the Fabia Super 2000. Jan Kopecký's victory in ŠKODA's core market of China clinched the title hat trick in the APRC in the Fabia Super 2000 for the Czech car manufacturer last year. "I am really looking forward to the new challenge. I am proud that my name has been added to the list of drivers for a brand as successful as ŠKODA," said 24-year-old Tidemand, regarded as one of the most talented rally drivers in Europe.

Esapekka Lappi, who is the same age, achieved something sensational when he won the European title in 2014. Alongside his co-driver Janne Ferm, this year he will compete with the world's elite in selected races in the WRC 2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship. ŠKODA Motorsport makes its return to the WRC at the Rally Portugal from 21 to 24 May in the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5, after a break of almost two years.

"We can't wait for our first race in the new Fabia R 5. We are excited about the new car, it's something really special," said Lappi. "We are delighted to return to the WRC top tier." Also in the new rally car, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler will primarily compete in the Czech Rally Championship, which gets underway with the Rally Šumava Klatovy on 24/25 April.

"I am delighted that we are able to show off the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 and what it's capable of to the fans in our home country," said Kopecký. Like Pontus Tidemand, he will also make selected appearances in the WRC 2 during the course of the season. The rally old hand believes that the Fabia R 5 will be an instant success: "We have tested the new car extensively. I am convinced that our team of many international engineers has done a great job."

After an extensive inspection, the highest authority in motorsport, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) gave the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 the green light on 1 April. The Fabia R 5 is based on ŠKODA's spectacular new production Fabia and is the successor of the Fabia Super 2000, which went down as the most successful rally car in the 114 years of ŠKODA Motorsport's history. The Fabia Super 2000 has picked up almost 50 national and international titles in total since 2009, in part due to the successful customer programme.

The new ŠKODA Fabia R 5 is to continue the success story. The new high-tech construction is fitted with a 1.6 litre turbo engine, as stipulated by the FIA regulations. That is a significant difference to the two-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine of the Fabia Super 2000. The new car with four-wheel drive also makes use of a sequential five-speed transmission and McPherson struts. As stipulated by the regulations, the car weighs at least 1,230 kilogrammes. To ensure that everything fits together perfectly, the ŠKODA Motorsport team has invested 15 months in intensive development since the start of the project. The aim is the reward on the rally tracks around the world.

[Karlheinz]

Stage set: New ŠKODA Fabia R5 to celebrate world rally debut in the Czech Republic


​› Debut: Jan Kopecký to drive the new rally car at the opening round of the Czech Rally Championship
› Hrabánek: “Pleased to be able to test the Fabia R5 at a rally”
› New racing car to see action in the WRC 2, APRC and Czech Rally Championship this season

​Mladá Boleslav, 22 April 2015 – The brand new ŠKODA Fabia R5 will make its debut on the international rally stage at the home of the manufacturer in the Czech Republic. Reigning Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) will be at the wheel of the new racing car at the 50th anniversary of the Rally Šumava Klatovy. The works team’s green, white and black powerhouse is charged with continuing ŠKODA’s successful 114-year history on the motorsport scene.

​“We are delighted to now be able to test our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 at an actual rally, following the successful homologation by the International Automobile Federation FIA. It is obviously particularly symbolic that our first outing will be in the brand’s back yard in the Czech Republic,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. The plan for this year is to test the competitiveness of the new rally car around the world, starting with the opening race of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

ŠKODA Motorsport will field the high-tech four-wheel drive car in the WRC 2 category at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), as well as in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). However, the focus is first on the car’s debut in ŠKODA’s native Czech Republic.

Appropriately, the cockpit will also be occupied by a Czech duo when the car makes its debut: experienced rally driver and reigning APRC champion Jan Kopecký and his co-driver Pavel Dresler will take control of the car, which is powered by the new 1.6-litre turbo engine, at the Rally Šumava Klatovy. “We are obviously very proud to be the ones to herald the next chapter in ŠKODA’s rallying success story,” said Kopecký, who won the rally back in 2012. The 50th anniversary of the event features twelve demanding special stages, consisting of 150.71 kilometres against the clock. Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler will start all six rounds of the Czech Rally Championship in ŠKODA’s new rally car.

 
Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event                                    Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy            24.04.–25.04.2015
Rally Český Krumlov              22.05.–23.05.2015
Rally Hustopeče                    19.06.–20.06.2015
Rally Bohemia                       10.07.–12.07.2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín          28.08.–30.08.2015
Rally Příbram                         02.10.–04.10.2015


Did you know …

… the ŠKODA Fabia R5 was officially presented for the first time on 15th April? Around 50 international journalists slipped into the passenger seat at the test track in Bělá pod Bezdězem, about 20 km from the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The media experts were put through their paces as Jan Kopecký and Esapekka Lappi took them on a series of wild rides.

… the engine for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 was developed from scratch? The 1.6-litre turbo engine is a big change compared to the two-litre naturally-aspirated engine used in the Fabia Super 2000. The development process took advantage of synergies within the Volkswagen group – after all, Volkswagen has won the World Rally Championship for the last two years and once again holds a commanding lead in the series this year.

… the software in the new cars comes from Magneti Marelli? However, it was adapted by ŠKODA to meet its own requirements.

… there is huge interest in the new rally car among customer teams? Over 100 enquiries have already been received in Mladá Boleslav, with at least 15 ŠKODA Fabia R5 scheduled to be delivered this year.


The number for the “Rally Šumava Klatovy”: 2012

ŠKODA’s last win at the Rally Šumava Klatovy came back in 2012. Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler finished at the head of a ŠKODA Motorsport one-two-three in the Fabia Super 2000. Roman Kresta (CZ) and Jaromir Tarabus (CZ) finished second and third.

[Karlheinz]

Perfect start: New ŠKODA Fabia R5 wins on its rally debut

​› Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler triumph with the new rally car at the opening round of the Czech Rally Championship
› Hrabánek: “Delighted to have made such a successful start”
› Faster and more reliable: ŠKODA Fabia R5 impresses thousands of fans on its debut on home soil

​Klatovy, 25th April 2015 – First race, first commanding victory, and the fastest time on eleven of twelve special stages: the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 enjoyed a dazzling rally debut in its native Czech Republic. Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) guided the rally car to a dominant victory at the 50th anniversary of the Rally Šumava Klatovy. Thousands of fans cheered on the new car, which proved to be both fast and reliable on its debut.

​“The rally debut of our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 symbolically launched a new chapter of our motorsport tradition in the home of the brand. As such, we are particularly delighted to have made such a successful start. We were very excited, and the debut showed that we are on the right track with the new rally car,” said Michal Hrabánek. However, the ŠKODA Motorsport Director warned against getting carried away: “We do not want to read too much into the first result. The car and the team will have to come through some very different tests at the coming rallies.”

That said, the opening round of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) went like clockwork. The ŠKODA Fabia R5 became one of very few rally cars ever to have won its first official special stage. And there was more success to come: by the end of an impressive display over 150.71 kilometres, Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, in the green, white and black ŠKODA Fabia R5, had opened up a lead of 1:34.6 minutes over Bryan Bouffier. The Frenchman is no slouch, having finished runner-up in the 2013 European Championship – again behind Kopecký in a ŠKODA.

“The first start with our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 could not have gone better. We were obviously a bit tense as, after all the many tests, only an actual race would truly reveal how well the car was running. And it worked perfectly: we are very happy about the win and hope we were able to impress a lot of people with our new Fabia R5,” said debut driver Kopecký, who was even able to try out some different set-ups on his first outing with the new rally car. “We are already really looking forward to the next rallies, as it seems to be a great car.”

The experienced 33-year-old will be back in action at the Rally Český Krumlov, the second round of the Czech Rally Championship, on 22nd and 23rd May. At almost exactly the same time, ŠKODA Motorsport will make its comeback in the WRC 2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 21st to 24th May. European champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) and new signing Pontus Tidemand (S) will be at the wheel of the new ŠKODA Fabia R5. Hrabánek: “Running two cars will be another challenge with our new rally car. Before then, we will continue testing. The win puts us in a good position going forward, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.”


The number for the Rally Šumava Klatovy: 11

Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler won eleven of the twelve special stages as the ŠKODA Fabia R5 made its race debut. Not only did the new car triumph on its very first special stage, but it won the longest stage on the rally by an impressive margin. Kopecký finished over 17 seconds ahead of Bryan Bouffier on both runs of the 25.59-kilometre stage.


Rally Šumava Klatovy – Result

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5: 1:20:20.9 hrs
2. Bouffier/Moreau (F/F), Citroën DS3 R5: + 1:34.6 min
3. Valoušek/Havelková (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000: + 2:48.9 min
4. Odložilík/Tureček (CZ/CZ), Subaru Impreza WRC: + 2:55.1 min
5. Sýkora/Palivec (CZ/CZ), Ford Fiesta R5: + 2:59.5 min


Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event / Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 24.04.–25.04.2015
Rally Český Krumlov: 22.05.–23.05.2015
Rally Hustopeče: 19.06.–20.06.2015
Rally Bohemia: 10.07.–12.07.2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 28.08.–30.08.2015
Rally Příbram: 02.10.–04.10.2015

[Karlheinz]

Rally Portugal: New ŠKODA Fabia R5 set for its FIA WRC debut

​​› ŠKODA returns to the FIA World Rally Championship at the Rally Portugal
› Two Fabia R5s to line up – at the wheel: European Champion Esapekka Lappi and ŠKODA newcomer Pontus Tidemand
› Hrabánek: “World Rally Championship is a special challenge”

​Mladá Boleslav, 18 May 2015 – The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 enters the international rally stage. Two Fabia R5s will make their debut in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the Rally Portugal (21th to 24th May). This marks ŠKODA’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship after a two-year absence. Over the course of the season, the Czech manufacturer will line up at selected WRC 2 races with the Fabia R5.

​The two ŠKODA racing cars will be driven in Portugal by European Rally Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) and ŠKODA newcomer Pontus Tidemand (S). ŠKODA’s comeback in the pinnacle of rallying will be a tough test for man and machine: 16 special stages must be negotiated, with a total 352.09 kilometres against the clock. Furthermore, the ŠKODA teams will face stiff opposition at the fifth round of the WRC.

“The debut in the FIA World Rally Championship is the next highlight for the new Fabia R5. The entire team is really looking forward to the first outing in WRC 2. The World Championship will be a special challenge for us. Our priority in Portugal is to test the Fabia R5 under the demanding WRC conditions. The rally will really put the car and the team through their paces,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 completed its first official race in April with flying colours. Jan Kopecký (CZ) and Pavel Dresler (CZ) won the opening round of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR) – the Rally Šumava Klatovy – on the last weekend in April. However, the car only had to survive half as many kilometres of special stage in the Czech Republic as it now faces in Portugal.

For European Rally Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN), adrenalin levels are rising every day: “After months of preparation the waiting is finally over. We are hungry for our first race with the Fabia R5. For that to come in the World Championship is fantastic. The start will be a particularly emotional moment for all involved.”

The appearance in WRC 2 sees the works driver, who is set to represent ŠKODA as their regular driver at all the WRC races in Europe, come full circle. Lappi was also involved the last time ŠKODA raced in the FIA World Rally Championship – and in Portugal too. In April 2013, the Finn and his co-driver Janne Ferm (FIN) claimed a superb victory in the WRC 2 category in a Fabia Super 2000. “It would obviously be great if we could immediately follow on where we left off. However, we must first test the new car at the limit. Furthermore, the route is completely new,” said Lappi.

The second Fabia R5 will be driven in Portugal by the FIA Junior World Rally Champion, Pontus Tidemand (S), assisted by co-driver Emil Axelsson (S). “It is fantastic to be able to take the next big step in my career with such a successful manufacturer as ŠKODA. To be able to race in the FIA World Rally Championship with the new Fabia R5 is obviously the icing on the cake,” said Tidemand. Tidemann/Axelsson made their ŠKODA debut in this year’s Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), winning the Rally New Zealand in the Fabia Super 2000. Last weekend the duo reached a second place at the Rally of New Caledonia and defended their lead in the overall ranking of the APRC. Over the course of the season, the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 will also be used in the APRC.

The Fabia R5 will also line up at its next home race this weekend: reigning Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) and his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) will take their place in the cockpit of the new racing car at the second round of this year’s Czech Rally Championship – the Rally Český Krumlov.


FIA World Rally Championship 2 (WRC 2)

Event / Date               
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally France: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015

[Karlheinz]

Home race number two for the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the Rally Český Krumlov

​› Fabia R5 lines up at the second round of the Czech Rally Championship
› Hrabánek: “Victory at opening round shows we are on the right track”
› New high-tech powerhouse to make its debut in the FIA WRC this weekend

​Mladá Boleslav, 20 May 2015 – Following its superb debut win at the opening round of this year’s Czech Rally Championship (MČR), the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 now lines up at its next home race. Reigning Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) and his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) will once again take their place in the cockpit of the new racing car at the Rally Český Krumlov. The 43rd Rally Český Krumlov will take place on 22nd/23rd May and forms the second round of the MČR.

​The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 enjoyed a stunning start with a commanding victory on its debut at the Rally Šumava Klatovy at the end of April. Thousands of fans cheered on the newly-developed racing car on its impressive first rally outing. The next challenge now awaits the ŠKODA team. ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek: “The debut of the new Fabia R5 could hardly have gone better. We are on the right track.”

Asia-Pacific champion Kopecký cannot wait for the Rally Český Krumlov after the dream debut with the new Fabia R5: “The first race was superb. The Fabia R5 was fast and totally reliable. We are confident that we can be among the front-runners at the Rally Český Krumlov too. We will use the rally to continue to perfect the set-up of the Fabia R5.”

The Asia-Pacific champion has fond memories of the Rally Český Krumlov: Kopecký won here with co-driver Pavel Dresler in 2012. The iconic event starts on Friday in České Budějovice and ends 14 special stages and 161.92 kilometres of asphalt later on Saturday in the historic city of Český Krumlov.

One particular challenge for the ŠKODA works team is that the rally in South Bohemia coincides with the debut of the Fabia R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC2 category. European champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) and the talented Pontus Tidemand (S), who signed for ŠKODA recently, will be at the wheel of the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 in Portugal.

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 24.04.–25.04.2015
Rally Český Krumlov: 22.05.–23.05.2015
Rally Hustopeče: 19.06.–20.06.2015
Rally Bohemia: 10.07.–12.07.2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 28.08.–30.08.2015
Rally Příbram: 02.10.–04.10.2015

Did you know …

… the Rally Český Krumlov is being staged for the 43rd time this weekend? At the inaugural event in 1971, a certain Mr Janouch (CZ) claimed the first of many victories for ŠKODA in the legendary 1100 MB.

… the Rally Český Krumlov is the only Czech rally in the FIA European Rally Trophy? This series comprises 14 races throughout Europe.
 
… sections of the route at the Rally Český Krumlov are run on roads, which are used for skiing in the winter? The “Lipno” stage, which the competitors tackle twice on Saturday, is both the highest and the final stage of the rally.

… the side programme for the Rally Český Krumlov features many different events? Fans can also look forward to rally competitions with vintage cars and cars with alternative power units, a rally legend show, and races with radio-controlled cars.

… the rally service park is located in the České Budějovice exhibition centre? The largest city in South Bohemia, with a population of 93,000, is known around the world as the home of Budweiser beer.

[Karlheinz]

Home win: Kopecký victorious after thriller in the ŠKODA Fabia R5

​› Twist on the final stage: ŠKODA works driver wins dramatic duel with Václav Pech at the Rally Český Krumlov
› New rally car fast and reliable once again at the second event in the Czech Rally Championship
› Kopecký: "Fantastic battle with a fantastic car"

​Český Krumlov, 23 May 2015 – After a real thriller, Jan Kopecký (CZ) in the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 celebrated his second win at the second event in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). On the final of 14 special stages at the 43rd edition of the Rally Český Krumlov, the works driver sailed past Václav Pech (CZ) after a dramatic duel at the home event. This saw Kopecký extend his lead at the top of the table. The new ŠKODA Fabia R5 proved to be reliable and fast once again at the rally steeped in tradition in South Bohemia.

​"Congratulations on getting the win at the last minute! The most important thing is that our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 finished a whole rally without any problems once again. With competing in both the Czech Republic and our comeback in the World Rally Championship, this weekend is a real challenge for the whole team," said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

In changeable weather conditions, the fans at the track experienced a thrilling duel on the narrow asphalt tracks of the 169.10 kilometres of special stages. Kopecký and his co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) initially took the lead in the overall standings on day one, before they were slowed down by damage to the rear left tyre on the sixth special stage. The ŠKODA duo lost 22.8 seconds to Václav Pech, who went into the final special stage with an advantage of 10.6 seconds. However, Pech made a mistake on the stage and Kopecký ended up winning with an advantage of 4.7 seconds over his rival.

"It's fantastic to get the win again in the second race with the Fabia R5. It was a fantastic battle with a fantastic car, which thrilled the spectators. We drove fast, but without taking any excessive risks," said Kopecký. The 33-year-old extended his lead in the overall standings, after he was victorious when the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 made its international rallying debut at the Rally Šumava Klatovy. "My new tool worked perfectly once again this time," said Kopecký full of praise. The old hand was at the top of the results sheet on eight special stages at the Rally Český Krumlov.

After the successful home event, next up for Kopecký is a start in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). The Czech will take the wheel of a ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the Rally Italy on Sardinia from 11 to 14 June. European Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) will also be in action. Kopecký, who last raced for ŠKODA in the WRC in 2007: "I'm really looking forward to this fascinating challenge on the world stage of rallying with the ŠKODA Fabia R5." A week after that, Kopecký will continue his fight for the title in the Czech Rally Championship at the Rally Hustopeče.

The number of the Rally Český Krumlov: 6 of 10

With six cars in the top ten of the overall standings, ŠKODA was the dominant brand at the Rally Český Krumlov. Alongside Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler in the new Fabia R5, Pavel Valoušek (CZ), Martin Vlček (CZ), Jan Černý (CZ) and Jan Jelínek (CZ) in the Fabia Super 2000 also made it into the top ten. Also, Karel Trněný (CZ) in the ŠKODA Fabia WRC finished in tenth.

Rally Český Krumlov – Final results

1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia R5, 1:36:00.8 hrs. 
2. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ), Mini John Cooper Works S2000, + 0:04.7 min.
3. Valoušek/Havelková (CZ/CZ), ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, + 3:57.1 min.
4. Odložilík/Tureček (CZ/CZ), Ford Fiesta R5, + 4:49.7 min.
5. Vlček/Žáková, ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, + 5:23.6 min.

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event/Date
Rally Šumava Klatovy: 24/04 – 25/04/2015
Rally Český Krumlov: 22/05 – 23/05/2015
Rally Hustopeče: 19/06 – 20/06/2015
Rally Bohemia: 10/07 – 12/07/2015
Barum Czech Rally Zlín: 28/08 – 30/08/2015
Rally Příbram: 02/10 –04/10/2015

[Karlheinz]

Two podium positions: ŠKODA celebrates brilliant WRC debut with the Fabia R5

​› European Champion Lappi second in WRC 2 at the Rally de Portugal ahead of team-mate Tidemand
› First five stage best times in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) for new Fabia R5 – endurance test over 324.18 km mastered
› Hrabánek: "Very successful weekend for ŠKODA"

​Porto, 24th May 2015 – European Champion Esapekka Lappi (FIN) second, Pontus Tidemand (S) in third: ŠKODA celebrated a brilliant WRC debut with its new Fabia R5 at the Rally de Portugal. The new ŠKODA rally car not only mastered the endurance test over 324.18 kilometres successfully, but also showed signs of its great potential with its first five stage best times in the WRC 2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship.

​"My thanks go to the whole team that coped so well with the double challenge of starting in the World Rally Championship and the Czech Rally Championship. Our Fabia R5 worked perfectly in both rallies. It was a very successful weekend for ŠKODA!," said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek after the first WRC start for his team in more than two years. On Saturday, Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) were victorious at the 43rd edition of the Rally Český Krumlov after a real last-minute thriller. It was the second win for the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the second event in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

Then on Sunday, 2000 kilometres away, the ŠKODA duos Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN) and Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson (S) secured the first two WRC podium finishes in the new Fabia R5. There was excitement once again in the battle for the win in WRC 2 on the final day, when Lappi finished 41.0 seconds faster than front-runner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) on the penultimate special stage "Vieira do Minho". However, the Dakar winner brought home a 12.0-second advantage over European Champion Lappi in the overall standings.

"We are delighted with second place, after all it was our first ever rally in the ŠKODA Fabia R5. Our new tool was convincing in all conditions here in Portugal – whether on gravel or on the short asphalt sections," said "Flying Finn" Lappi, full of praise, who got the fastest time in the WRC 2 category on five stages. "It's brilliant starting in the WRC again. The atmosphere was fantastic." Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined all 15 of the special stages at the Rally Portugal, with the absolute highlight being the legendary "Fafe" stage with its massive jump on Sunday. Lappi ended the day with another best time here.

"It was great fun. We gained so much fantastic experience on the rally debut in the new Fabia R5," said Tidemand. The new ŠKODA works driver now returns to the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), where he is eager to defend his leading position in the overall standings from 19 to 21 June at the rally in Australia.

At the next FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) event from 11 to 14 June on Sardinia,
alongside European Champion Lappi, reigning Asia-Pacific Champion Jan Kopecký will also take the wheel of a Fabia R5. Michal Hrabánek: "After the successful debut at the Rally Portugal, we are already looking forward to the next challenge. After all, we are only just getting started with the Fabia R5 project and still have plenty of work ahead of us."


The number of the day for the Rally de Portugal: 5

In Portugal, Esapekka Lappi got the first five stage best times in the WRC 2 standings of the WRC for the ŠKODA Fabia R5. After he topped the results list for special stages eight to ten on Saturday, he was the fastest on special stage 15 "Vieira do Minho" on Sunday. This saw him finish an impressive 41.0 seconds faster than WRC 2 winner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q). The "Flying Finn" was also number 1 on the legendary "Fafe" stage.


Rally de Portugal – Final result WRC 2

1. Al-Attiyah/Baumel (Q/F), Ford Fiesta S2000: 3:41:35.3 hrs.
2. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 0:12.0 min.
3. Tidemand/Axelsson (S/S), ŠKODA Fabia R5: + 0:37.8 min.
4. Maurin/Klinger (F/F), Ford Fiesta S2000: + 2:51.2 min.
5. Lefebvre/Prévot (F/F), Citroën DS3 R5: + 2:59.6 min.


FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)

Event / Date               
Rally Monte Carlo: 22.01.–25.01.2015
Rally Sweden: 12.02.–15.02.2015
Rally Mexico: 05.03.–08.03.2015
Rally Argentina: 23.04.–26.04.2015
Rally Portugal: 21.05.–24.05.2015
Rally Italy: 11.06.–14.06.2015
Rally Poland: 02.07.–05.07.2015
Rally Finland: 30.07.–02.08.2015
Rally Germany: 20.08.–23.08.2015
Rally Australia: 10.09.–13.09.2015
Rally France: 01.10.–04.10.2015
Rally Spain: 22.10.–25.10.2015
Rally Great Britain: 12.11.–15.11.2015