Kopecky on course for Czech title on SKODA’s home rally

Intercontinental Rally Challenge event winner Jan Kopecký can clinch the Czech championship crown when he contests his ŠKODA Motorsport team’s home event, Rally Bohemia, this weekend.

Kopecký has won all five rounds of his national series this season and a sixth triumph on the Mladá Boleslav round would put the prestigious title beyond the reach of his rivals.

“Obviously our ambition is to put in the best possible performance in ŠKODA’s home territory,” said Kopecký, who will be co-driven by Pavel Dresler. “The idea of celebrating the championship title in Mladá Boleslav is an absolute dream for us, but it will be no pleasure cruise because we know that Bohemia is a very difficult rally. Anyway, we will do our best to win a podium place.”

One driver capable of denying Kopecký victory on the event will be his team-mate Juho Hänninen, making his first start in the Czech championship since the Jänner Rallye back in January.

“Bohemia is a difficult rally with a number of very fast stretches, but it’s indeed a lovely event,” said Hänninen, the Bohemia winner in 2009 and 2010. “We have lovely memories of the Bohemia Rally and we want to finish as high as possible also this year.”

ŠKODA Motorsport team chief Michal Hrabánek added: “Mladá Boleslav is the heart of the ŠKODA world, as well as of the ŠKODA Motorsport team. It’s the cradle of ŠKODA and also the place that saw the brand’s first motorsport efforts 111 years ago. That is why appearing at the Bohemia Rally is very special for our team. The [route] will be surrounded by many fans, as well as many colleagues of ours who support our motorsport activities. We’d like to show them a top-class performance to thank them for what they do for us, and celebrating Jan and Pavel’s championship title would certainly be the icing on the cake.”