Kopecky backs Rally Islas Canarias night stages

Jan Kopecky has backed plans by the Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Ingles organisers to include night stages on the itinerary for round two of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Skoda Motorsport driver Kopecky won the asphalt event last year on its first inclusion on the IRC schedule. Organisers have timetabled two stages to run under the cover of darkness at 22:16hrs and 22:49hrs on Friday 15 April.

Kopecky, who hails from Czech Republic, says the initiative will be a hit with the drivers and fans alike.

“It’s a good thing and will make the rally quite interesting”, said the 29-year-old Kopecky. “For drivers
and for spectators this will be something different and I imagine a lot of the spectators will stay on for the night because the two night stages are run again the next day. It will be a huge celebration for
the fans and a great atmosphere I am sure.”

Kopecky, runner-up in the IRC for the past two seasons, is due to take part in a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 although his participation remains subject to confirmation by Skoda Motorsport.