Kopecky leads, Loix storms to first stage best

Freddy Loix has become the fifth different driver to win a stage on Barum Czech Rally Zlín by topping the times through Saturday’s final stage, the repeat of the 29.09-kilometre Troják test.

Driving a Škoda Motorsport Fabia S2000 Facelift, the Belgian was 6.8 seconds faster than team-mate Jan Kopecký.

Loix’s speed through the rain-hit stage means he moves into second place overall, 28.2s behind Czech hero Kopecký heading into day two. Bryan Bouffier, who survived a minor off, is third with Intercontinental Rally Challenge title-leader Juho Hänninen fourth and defending IRC champion Kris Meeke fifth.

Crews are now heading back to Otrokovice for end of day service.

Overall positions after SS9: