Strong test boosts Kopecký’s gravel pace

Jan Kopecký says a successful pre-event test has contributed to his strong pace on the gravel-based Rally d’Italia-Sardegna.

The Škoda Motorsport driver is regarded as an asphalt specialist with his three Intercontinental Rally Challenge wins coming on Tarmac.

Of the eight stages run in Sardinia so far, Kopecký has been fastest on three of them, edging out his team-mate Juho Hänninen, the new rally leader, on the last Terranova test.

“We improved the suspension a lot in the testing and I think it is better for me,” said the Czech driver. “I am happy with my speed and will continue to push because anything can happen to the drivers in front. I won’t settle for fourth place.”