Loix signing cheers Škoda boss Hrabanek

Škoda Motorsport boss Michal Hrabanek has described Freddy Loix’s inclusion in the team’s factory line-up on the Geko Ypres Rally later this month as “really positive and beneficial”.

Loix, a five-time winner in Ypres, had been due to contest the famous asphalt event in a Fabia S2000 run by the privateer René Georges Rally Sport operation but has, instead, transferred to the main works outfit, where he will drive one of the facelift versions of the Fabia.

Hrabanek said: "I would like to thank, especially Škoda Belgium, which has done a lot for engagement of Freddy Loix. It’s really positive and beneficial from all point of views to have in the Škoda Fabia Super 2000 such a top class driver as Freddy Loix, who can give his experience."

Loix will partner regular works pilots Juho Hänninen and Jan Kopecký on the event, round six of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Hänninen is currently 11 points clear of Kopecký in the drivers’ classification following his second victory of the season in Sardinia recently. Škoda drivers have won the last three rounds of the 12-rally series.