Kopecky sets Zlin shakedown pace

Jan Kopecký has gained the upper hand on his Intercontinental Rally Challenge rivals by clocking the fastest time in shakedown for Barum Czech Rally Zlín.

Piloting a ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia Super 2000 alongside co-driver Pavel Dresler, Kopecký set a quickest time of 2m46.0s through the 4.51-kilometre route from Pohořelice to Komárov. Team-mate Juho Hänninen was second fastest with defending IRC champion Andreas Mikkelsen equaling the Finn’s best effort.

“It is great to be back here in Zlín and to feel the huge support from the fans we always have here,” said Kopecký, runner-up in the IRC for the past three seasons. “We are very well prepared.”

Patrik Flodin’s Petter Solberg Engineering M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 and Jarkko Nikara’s Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru Impreza R4 STI were both hit by powersteering issues, although neither driver lost out on significant running.

Weather conditions were cool and overcast with drops of rain falling towards the end of the session.

Following the ceremonial start in Zlín’s city square at 17:00hrs local time today, the competitive action begins with the opening special stage, SSS Zlín at 21:15hrs.

Top 10 shakedown times:

1 Jan Kopecký (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m46.0s
2 Juho Hänninen (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m47.5s
= Andreas Mikkelsen (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m47.5s
4 Tomáš Kostka (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m49.1s
5 Pavel Valoušek (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) 2m49.8s
6 Roman Kresta (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m50.1s
7 Jaromír Tarabus (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m50.1s
8 Robert Barrable (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m50.4s
9 Jarkko Nikara (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) 2m51.5s
10 Sepp Wiegand (ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000) 2m52.0s