Kopecký set for IRC return in the Azores

Jan Kopecký is set to return to Intercontinental Rally Challenge duty on next week’s Sata Rallye Açores after ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek confirmed that he expected injured co-driver Petr Starý to be fit for the island contest.

Starý suffered a broken right collarbone during a crash in shakedown for last month’s GEKO Ypres Rally, which forced the pair to withdraw from the event.

“Petr Starý is gradually recovering from his injury, and we believe that he will be prepared to appear on the start line [in the Azores],” said Hrabánek.

Kopecký, runner-up in the IRC drivers’ standings for the past two seasons, is one of the favourites to win this year’s crown. His failure to compete in Belgium means he is now 15 points shy of title leader Freddy Loix.

However, with Loix not competing in the Azores, Czech driver Kopecký is well placed to close the gap on his Belgian rival.