Excitement builds as IRC Rally Zlín approaches

An entry list of more than 100 cars, four stages live on television and more than 200,000 fans expected to line the route will make next week’s Barum Czech Rally Zlín one of the highlights of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge season.

It’s a hit with the drivers too with Jan Kopecký and Andreas Mikkelsen, two of the favourites for victory on the Tarmac event, both excited by the prospect of doing battle on the high-speed stages.

“There are lot of spectators and a lovely atmosphere so it’s really a beautiful event,” said ŠKODA UK Motorsport’s defending IRC champion Mikkelsen. “But you need to be brave because some of the roads are bumpy in places, really fast with some narrow sections downhill in the forest.”

Czech hero Kopecký, who will line up for the factory ŠKODA team, said: “The live television will make this rally really special and will give the Czech fans the chance to show they are really special. Their flags really give you the motivation to push.”

This year’s Barum Czech Rally Zlín, which runs from 31 August-2 September, counts as round nine of the 13-event IRC season. A full preview will appear on www.ircseries.com on Friday.