Wallenwein expects strong competition in Zlin

Mark Wallenwein is expecting a tough fight when he returns to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge on Barum Czech Rally Zlin next week.

Wallenwein, who will form part of a two-strong team from SKODA Auto Deutschland on the asphalt event, began his IRC campaign with SKODA’s German importer on the centenary edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo back in January.

“The IRC is the strongest competition for Super 2000 cars anywhere in the world,” said Wallenwein. “It’s not just maybe five cars that can win but many more than that. It’s good for learning but it’s also a real challenge.”

Wallenwein, who will be partnered at SKODA Auto Deutschland by multiple German rally champion Matthias Kahle, is lowering his expectations ahead of the Czech event, which he has never tackled previously.

“All the guys will be very fast and many of them have done the rally before so I have no expectations,” said the 24-year-old. “It will only be my second time in this car and I want to improve my speed for the next event in Hungary, which takes place two weeks later. But I feel quite good about the rally – I am ready.”

Wallenwein and co-driver Stefan Kopczyk finished 21st on Rallye Monte-Carlo following several delays.