The updated and freshly homologated version of the Škoda Fabia R5 will have its debut with Jan Kopecký (CZE) and co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZE) at Rally Český Krumlov (17/05/–18/05/2019). The new Czech rally car will race in the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time at the upcoming Rally Portugal (30/05/–02/06/2019). It will be driven by reigning WRC 2 champion Jan Kopecký and Škoda teammate Kalle Rovanperä respectively.
The updated Škoda Fabia R5 adopts key design elements of the 2019 Škoda Fabia road car. Additionally, the rally car gets important technical improvements. Key components of the current rally car have been optimised to improve the competitiveness of the new car even more. Compared to its predecessor, the engine performance has been further improved. The bodyshell has been strengthened and a new roll cage according to the FIA 2019 regulation has been fitted. The new steering has a more direct ratio, longer wheel travel offers better traction.
Reigning WRC 2 champion Jan Kopecký is looking forward to the upcoming third round of the Czech championship 2019, the Rally Český Krumlov (17/05/–18/05/2019): “I am pleased that I have the chance to drive the new Škoda Fabia R5 at its world premiere again. With its predecessor, I could win four years ago the debut event at the Rally Šumava Klatovy 2015”, explains the Czech rally champion.
Škoda Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek says: “Besides our factory program, which also includes the upcoming Rally Portugal, we are working hard to deliver the first new cars to our customers in the second half of the year. Jan Kopecký was the key test driver when the new car was developed in its test program. Together with his teammate Kalle Rovanperä, he will give the updated Škoda Fabia R5 its debut in the FIA World Rally Championship at the upcoming Rally Portugal (30/05/–02/06/2019), entered in WRC 2 Pro category.”
Press release Škoda Motorsport
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