Skoda to begin IRC title defence in Monte Carlo

Skoda Motorsport will begin the defence of its Intercontinental Rally Challenge manufacturers’ title on Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 18-22.

The Czech make, which also guided Juho Hanninen to the IRC drivers’ crown in 2010, will field a brace of factory-prepared Fabia S2000s for Finn Hanninen and co-driver Mikko Markkula plus Czech pair Jan Kopecky and Petr Stary.

Several other Skodas will also be in action on the event.

Skoda Motorsport head Michal Hrabanek said: "The Monte Carlo Rally is very special to us, especially because it is where we made our debut with the Fabia Super 2000 in 2009. This is going to be the 100th year of the event, and Skoda Auto is going to celebrate 110 years of its motorsport efforts next year, which certainly is an interesting combination. Furthermore, this rally is one of the best races the whole world of motorsport offers, and we are highly motivated to succeed there."

Rallye Monte-Carlo will once again form the opening round of the IRC series. On the event earlier this year, Hanninen finished second with Nicolas Vouilloz claiming third in a factory-supported Fabia backed by Skoda’s French importer.