Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Robert Barrable back on rally after four months break

28. 8. 2014 - Petr Linhart, Barum Czech Rally Zlín

For last couple of years Robert Barrable had belonged to shining stars of IRC and WRC2 championships. But in 2014 there came a downgrade as Robert entered only two rallies – the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo and his home Circuit of Ireland Rally. But he clearly proved he didn't lose his speed as he in both events (at Monte in WRC2) finished third. Since then he's been waiting until the Zlín rally terminates his rally break.

26-year-old driver already has got experience with Zlín-based rally as he did it twice already. "Michal Pres from Škoda helped me a lot in 2011 to get me here and I loved the rally. The first time we started was a good rally but unfortunately we weren't classified as finishers as our time card was lost before the final control. The second year was much better. We had some really good stage times and finished 5th overall which was great," remembers the member of the Tunnock's World Rally Team.

The team, which name indicates a close relationship with a confection producer, ran through a big change in 2013. Their Škoda Fabia S2000 was replaced with a Ford Fiesta R5 and from the IRC series the squad switched for the WRC2. "We switched to an R5 as the FIA makes the class for the future. The difference between the cars is huge in every aspect like engine revs, driving style and most of all the noise. These are the main difference for me. We switched to WRC2 in early 2013 and we had a good season for our first time in the world rallies. It is really difficult in all aspects from recce and preparation to stages. We had two podiums which I was happy with," resumes Irish driver his previous season.

But now he's back in Zlín. "Barum Rally is one of my favourite rallies. The organisers are very welcoming and helpful and that's always nice. The stages are very technical and can be very tricky with rain. It is a little like Ireland in some places. I like the driving style the stages require as you have to read the road all the time for the grip level as this changes a lot. Patience and good pace notes are the key factors for success," gives Barrable his Barum Rally experience. And his results ambitions? "A podium would be a great result but the entry is really competitive. So I have to be realistic as we haven't driven since April. So I would say a Top 5?"