IRC Barum Czech Rally Zlin preview : The challenges

Intercontinental Rally Challenge, round 7 of 11

By Franck Drui

22 August 2011 - 10:12
IRC Barum Czech Rally Zlin preview (...)

The battle for the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge title will take another twist in Czech Republic next week (26-28 August) when the series returns to asphalt for Barum Czech Rally Zlin, round seven of this scintillating chase for the prestigious drivers’ crown.

Based in the industrial city of Zlin in south-east Czech Republic, the event has appeared on the IRC schedule since 2007 and takes place for a 41st time this year. Famed for its tricky stages on bumpy and sometimes broken Tarmac through narrow woodland areas, experience and commitment are often rewarded.

Another feature of the event is the huge numbers of spectators who traditionally flock to the stages in there thousands to provide raucous support to the competitors, particularly the massed ranks of local crews.

Following the ceremonial start in front of Zlin town hall, the event begins with a superspecial stage through the streets of the host city on the night of Friday 26 August. Crews are released from the start in regular intervals, which means there will be as many as seven cars on the concrete wall-lined course at any time.

Run under the cover of darkness, the stage comprises three laps of Zlin’s central area and crosses over a railway line at one point. With part of the stage on cobbled streets, grip is at a premium, particularly in the event of rain. Competitors tackle the stage in reverse order from 21:15hrs.

Saturday’s action features four repeated stages, including two runs of Trojak, which at 28.29 kilometres is the longest of the rally. Although some of the stage names might be familiar to Zlin regulars the competitive route is 70 per cent different from 2010 in an effort by organisers to increase the challenge facing crews.

The opening Biskupice stage, for example, features a small gravel section, while the Trojak and Semetin tests run in an opposite direction to last season. Saturday’s itinerary also includes three visits to the permanent service park in Otrokovice, which is located 11 kilometres from Zlin.

Sunday’s route covers three repeated stages, including Majak, which is back for the first time in 20 years. In other changes, the Kudlovice and Halenkovice stages will run in reverse and will also include a handful of small changes. Following the sixth and final service halt in Otrokovice, crews head to Zlin for the traditional finish in front of the city’s old cinema at 15:17hrs local time.

In total the rally consists of 15 special stages over a competitive distance of 248.48 kilometres. Shakedown will once again take place close to the service park in Otrokovice, albeit over a new route of 4.3 kilometres.

While the weather in central Europe in August is characterised by sun and warm temperatures, rain is a frequent hazard on the event. With chunks of the route running under tree cover, grip levels can be unpredictable and drivers running further up the order often benefit from a cleaner stage surface due to the practice of corning ‘cutting’ dragging mud and debris onto the optimum line. Tyre choice is also a factor with crews often leaving their selection until the last possible moment to try to ensure they are using tyres best suited to the conditions.

All drivers competing in Zlin will be in contention for the prestigious Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy, which is awarded on all rounds of the IRC to the driver whose performance best embodies the spirit of the rally legend.

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