Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Kopecký says their goal is to win

24. 8. 2018 - Petr Říha

Jan Kopecký who has won Barum Czech Rally Zlín record six times is again the hot favourite for the 48th edition. The 36-year-old factory Škoda Motorsport driver on their model Škoda Fabia R5 is going head-to-head with Daniel Sordo (Hyundai i20 R5) from Spain.

His record on local roads is impressive. For the past four years, he is unbeaten on home soil winning unbelievable 22 rally events. And he has already secured himself the sixth Czech title in advance on Rally Bohemia. His preparation for Barum rally was thorough and only victory counts. "We have the same routine before each rally. There is no difference between WRC2 and Czech championship. I believe we're ready. Our goal is to win," said Jan Kopecký.

On the Qualifying Stage he was second, just behind Nikolay Gryazin (Škoda Fabia R5) who is driving with Latvian license. "We chose different tyres because of the weather. Apparently there's going to be heavy rain which makes it even more challenging. I hope we'll choose the right ones," said the Czech champion.

Fans are especially looking forward to the battle between Dani Sordo and Jan Kopecký. The Hyundai Motorsport factory driver is another big test for Kopecký. "I know Dani very well. He's one of the best tarmac specialists in the world. I can't wait," said Jan Kopecký.

It is Dani Sordo's first time on Barum Czech Rally Zlín. And there are many new aspects that he will have to deal with. Apart from the roads, it is his car category R5, because he is used to a WRC model. "It's something completely different, engines have different power, cars have a different set-up. But it's interesting to try something new," said the 35-year-old driver, who reached the podium in 44 World Rally Championship events.

The winner of Deutschland rally 2013 is sad about the weather. The Hyundai Motorsport driver finds wet surface less enjoyable. "I'd prefer dry special stages. It's going to be difficult because Jan Kopecký is a good competition. But I came to Zlín to show that I can do something, even though many people warned me that it's difficult here and to forget about it," said Daniel Sordo.

Jan Černý is going to represent ACCR Czech Rally Team with Ford Fiesta R5. Before, he was driving Škoda Fabia R5. "The cars are quite different and it took me longer time to get used to than I'd like. So far, we were only in Italy for ERC and we had two punctures. I hope that it's going to be better here. Our priority is to finish this rally because we need the points for the Czech and European championship. We want to finish in the top ten but the competition here is extraordinary," said the 28-year old driver.