Kopecký to consolidate IRC title lead in Italy

Jan Kopecký, who will start Rallye Sanremo with a 17-point lead in the battle for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers’ title, has hinted that he’s unlikely to push all out for victory on the Italian asphalt event, which starts later today (Friday).

Kopecký, from Czech Republic, has moved to the top of the IRC standings following back-to-back victories in his homeland and in Hungary earlier this month at the wheel of his ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia S2000.

With a slight cushion over closest title rival Freddy Loix, Kopecký admits he might consolidate his championship lead rather than risk all in his pursuit of a third victory in 2011.

“Of course we need to find our speed because last year it was not so good for us here,” said Kopecký, who is co-driven in the IRC by Petr Starý. “We would be happy with the podium because this is quite a difficult rally with many corners and the speed is not so high.”

After crashing out in 2009, Kopecký admitted problems with his pacenotes had held him back when he took part on the event last season.

“We need to go a bit quicker than last year,” he said. “We had problems with the pacenotes and other things. This year we believe our notes will be okay and the car is really perfect after two days of testing. We will see after the first day.”