Kopecký lacking confidence in Sanremo

Jan Kopecký said he is not using the slow front-left puncture that delayed his progress on stage eight of Rallye Sanremo as an excuse for his lack of competitiveness on the International Rally Challenge qualifier.

The Škoda Motorsport driver started the event second in the drivers’ standings, nine points adrift of team-mate Juho Hänninen. However, he has failed to reproduce the pace that has made him such a threat on other asphalt events this season.

“The puncture was after 11 kilometres [of the 29.03-kilometre Teglia stage] but it doesn’t affect any result,” said the Czech star. “I don’t feel confidence on this rally because I miss the grip and I don’t know where the grip is. I am also afraid to come fast and make a mistake.”

After eight stages Kopecký is eighth overall 2m05.3s adrift of overall leader Paolo Andreucci.