The Czech racing duo of Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler will recommence ŠKODA’s challenge for the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) title in Romania. The Sibiu Rally, which will be taking place from the 25 to 27 July, kicks off the critical phase of this prestigious competition. The ŠKODA team has a healthy lead in the ERC overall standings at the halfway point.
“The Sibiu Rally marks the start of the second half of the ERC season and we want to pick up as many points as possible,” said Kopecký, who took victory at his home rally in the Czech Republic last time out: “We have never raced here before – it’s new territory for us. But Pavel and I are looking forward to it and will be giving our all as always.”
The Czech team were most impressive in the first half of the season, securing three victories and a second place finish in four ERC races. Belgian driver Freddy Loix has also triumphed for ŠKODA on home soil this season. From the second half of the season’s six rallies, the best four results go towards the overall standings. Holding a commanding 32-point lead over Irish driver Craig Breen, Kopecký is currently top of the standings on 146 points.
The ŠKODA duo will have to battle their way through 228 kilometres of varying road surfaces over fourteen spectacular stages in Romania. The majority of the race will be run on gravel, whilst a fifth of the track comprises asphalt runs. There will be two night-time stages.