Kopecký disappointed with Sanremo pace

Intercontinental Rally Challenge leader Jan Kopecký has told his ŠKODA Motorsport team that he is disappointed to be more than 20 seconds off the lead in fifth position on Rallye Sanremo after the opening six stages.

The Czech driver is one of the favourites to win the asphalt event following back-to-back IRC victories in Czech Republic and Hungary.

“I’m losing quite a lot of time but I don’t know why because the car is really okay,” said Kopecký. “We are trying but the guys in front of me are better. However, there is still a long way to go and anything can happen. I’m just disappointed to be in the position I am in.”

Kopecký said before the start that he would not take any big risks during the rally, preferring instead to consolidate his title lead. However, with close rival Freddy Loix currently occupying second overall, Kopecký will have to make up ground in order to maintain his healthy advantage in the drivers’ standings.