Kopecký relishing return to Rally Islas Canarias

With 50 days to go until the battle for Intercontinental Rally Challenge glory resumes on Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés, last year’s winner Jan Kopecký is already relishing the prospect of taking part on the demanding asphalt event.

Kopecký, who led home a Škoda Fabia Super 2000 one-two-three finish when the rally made its first appearance in the IRC last season, says he cannot wait to tackle the event’s first stage on Friday 15 April.

“I’m really excited,” said the 29-year-old from Czech Republic. “My only victory last season was on this rally and I can’t wait to be back there.”

“Actually, the last two events in the IRC in Spain I have won because before Canarias we had Asturias and I won that also. It is a good place for me so I am looking forward to going back.”

Škoda hasn’t officially confirmed its participation on the island rally, preferring instead to announce its programme on an event-by-event basis.

However, Belgian Freddy Loix and Andreas Mikkelsen from Norway have already confirmed they will be competing on Gran Canaria in a brace of Fabia S2000s.