Q&A with Jan Kopecký - 2012 Jännerrallye winner

What does it take to win the Jännerrallye?

“It depends on the conditions and how many mistakes you make. Even though it was mainly snow in 2012, it wasn’t snow everywhere so it was not easy to make the right decision with the tyres. I made two big mistakes on the first day but on the second day Juho [Hänninen] and Raimund [Baumschlager] made some quite big mistakes and I was without mistakes.”

Are you hoping for snow and ice?

“The Jännerrallye is really a snow rally so it would be nice if it snows but it can quite difficult knowing what tyres to use and when. But it’s the same situation for everybody, this is rally.”

How have you prepared for the Jännerrallye?

“We had a one-day test at the start of the week [17 December] but the heavy snow we had before the weekend wasn’t there, just a few patches of ice. But we have some good engineers at ŠKODA Motorsport to help with the set-up and lots of experience from the past.”

What’s your aim for the 2013 event?

“I’m really happy to be doing the rally and thank you to ŠKODA for this. Of course I want to try to win but it won’t be easy. I will have the start number one and clearing the snow can be a problem. What time I lose on Friday I hope to make back on Saturday. But I don’t feel any pressure and I know I will get some good support from the Czech fans.”

With the rally close to Christmas, are you able to relax and enjoy the festive period?

“I am with my family for Christmas and it’s very nice like normal but then we go to Austria to be ready for the recce. Hopefully the parties in my hotel won’t be too noisy on New Year’s Eve.”