Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Miroslav Jakeš believes in success

25. 8. 2014 - Petr Linhart, Barum Czech Rally Zlín

Miroslav Jakeš has been considered as a promising talent in the Czech rallysport for some time. Thanks to Gemini Clinic Rally Team he was given an opportunity to drive as one of the first rally drivers in the world the newest car from Citroën – the DS3 R5.

In the previous edition of the Barum Czech Rally Zlín Jakeš attracted either foreign rally fans or experts with his outstanding performance so he achieved a prestigious Colin McRae Flat Out Trophy. This award has been usually given to drivers with the biggest competition spirit. "Our result in the Barum Rally 2013 and the related award has belonged to the highest peaks of my career. At that time it directly influenced my future in rallying. But of course I'm happy also with my overall podiums in Czech rallysprint championships in 2011 and 2013 as well as with the European hillclimb championship title," said Jakeš.

For many years the young used to drive a production Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. But in 2014 he switched to a true rally car, a Citroën DS3 R5. "It's not relevant to compare these cars. The Mitsubishi was based on production model, but Citroën has been designed and built right in the sport department. Basically everything is better on the DS3 – from brakes over suspension up to gearbox. The switch between these cars made me no problems, it's always easy to get used to better car," explained Jakeš.

The DS3 R5 with Jakeš at the wheel appeared in the Int. Czech Rally Championship three times. "So far I'm quite happy with my performance. Our goal was to get close to winning competitions and we almost managed it in the Rally Hustopeče. Of course, I feel bad for my mistake in the Rally Bohemia, but the car seems to be OK now and we can get fully focused on the Barum Czech Rally Zlín," resumes previous events Jakeš, who also estimates his result in the Barum Rally: "With such car we should be really high. I'd definitely like to improve my last year's result. However we will see only at the finish ramp, if we could do so."

As it was announced at the beginning of the year, the Gemini Clinic Rally Team project is scheduled to run for several years. Therefore there can't be missed a question of future: "The upcoming season is out of my head at the moment, we will discuss it after the Barum Rally. But my mind says it has no sense to spend another year with trying to beat Václav Pech in our home championship, we'd better to go abroad. And the FIA ERC is an option."