Kopecký continues ERC title hunt for ŠKODA at the Poland

With victory in the bag last time out at the Barum Rally, ŠKODA’s Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) will be continuing their hunt for the title in Poland. The Masurian Lake District will be the spectacular setting for the gravel-based Rally Poland taking place from 13 to 15 September – ŠKODA’s Czech racing duo will hope to continue their run of success there in the European Rally Championship (ERC) and wrap up the championship early. “We’re both looking forward to the new challenge at the Rally Poland. Winning on home soil has given us an extra boost in confidence,” said Kopecký. The 31-year-old put in a flawless performance at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín to secure his fifth ERC triumph in a row for ŠKODA this season. At the same time, it was his third victory in front of a home crowd after successes in 2009 and 2011. Driving the Fabia Super 2000, Kopecký and Dresler have recorded five victories and a second-place finish from six starts this season. The Czech pair currently sit 109 points ahead of their nearest rival in the ERC’s overall standings. Yet their focus is now solely trained on the upcoming rally in Poland: “When it comes to the number of spectators, Poland is a paradise for rally drivers just like the Czech Republic. The fans really love the sport. Gravel is a tricky surface, but we have already shown in the Azores and in Romania that we have what it takes to do well,” said Kopecký. The gravel-based Rally Poland is one of the oldest rallying events in the world and will once again present a challenge to man and machine at its 70th anniversary. With the spectacular Masurian Lake District as the backdrop, the drivers will be faced with thirteen scenic stages covering over 230 kilometres around the town of Miko?ajki. ŠKODA has a good record here: last year, Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) won here for the Czech car manufacturer, which can boast 112 years of motor racing experience. Source: Skoda