Christmas speed test. Kopecký becomes a taxi driver in the center of Prague

Factory team

The ŠKODA Motorsport’s service truck with its team of mechanics set out for the last event of the year. It wasn’t setting up camp in the pit of a large race this time, but at Prague's Letná park. With temperatures around zero, it almost looked more like they were training for the upcoming Swedish rally, but the reality was even more interesting. Jan Kopecký had taken his ŠKODA FABIA R5 racecar out to spread some joy and enlightenment right to the streets of Prague.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

For one day and one evening, several R5 Taxi stands appeared in Prague’s Old Town. Those who overcame their hesitations and approached the driver for a ride were in for a real adrenaline treat. Kopecký never had to wait long for any “customers”, though, since this unusual taxi aroused enormous interest.

[driver_medallion id="1" show_info="false"]

In total, he drove more than twenty people.

A thrill for fans and non-fans alike

Pre-Christmas Prague traditionally attracts hundreds of thousands of people, so there was definitely no shortage of fans along the “track”. And the FABIA R5 had the chance to show that it can be surprisingly practical, even in the city.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

The car entered the city in asphalt mode, with the racing tires of course replaced by winter tires so that Kopecký could drift better without torturing the car. There was also a water sprinkler truck at hand the entire day to keep the slick track optimal. The R5 Taxi observed the normal traffic regulations in the streets of Prague, of course, but once they reached the closed-off track at Letná, that’s when Kopecký could really let loose. Even though it was a wild ride sometimes, everyone left the car brimming with excitement.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

Reason to celebrate

The end of the 2017 year definitely deserves a special celebration – it’s the culmination of a three-year success story, where the drivers of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 have won three WRC2 world championship titles in speed tests in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America and many other victories. What’s more, next year will see the record-setting five competitive crews fight to defend their victory in the constructors' championship against brand new challengers from other carmakers. They’ll also battle for the titles against WRC2 drivers and the Czech Republic championship, not to mention the ultimate goal – total victory in the Asian-Pacific championship.

Even with all the exceptional events of the past year, the Prague speed test was something exceptional for everyone involved.

[driver_medallion id="1" show_info="false"]

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

The ŠKODA Motorsport’s service truck with its team of mechanics set out for the last event of the year. It wasn’t setting up camp in the pit of a large race this time, but at Prague's Letná park. With temperatures around zero, it almost looked more like they were training for the upcoming Swedish rally, but the reality was even more interesting. Jan Kopecký had taken his ŠKODA FABIA R5 racecar out to spread some joy and enlightenment right to the streets of Prague.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

For one day and one evening, several R5 Taxi stands appeared in Prague’s Old Town. Those who overcame their hesitations and approached the driver for a ride were in for a real adrenaline treat. Kopecký never had to wait long for any “customers”, though, since this unusual taxi aroused enormous interest.

[driver_medallion id="1" show_info="false"]

In total, he drove more than twenty people.

A thrill for fans and non-fans alike

Pre-Christmas Prague traditionally attracts hundreds of thousands of people, so there was definitely no shortage of fans along the “track”. And the FABIA R5 had the chance to show that it can be surprisingly practical, even in the city.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

The car entered the city in asphalt mode, with the racing tires of course replaced by winter tires so that Kopecký could drift better without torturing the car. There was also a water sprinkler truck at hand the entire day to keep the slick track optimal. The R5 Taxi observed the normal traffic regulations in the streets of Prague, of course, but once they reached the closed-off track at Letná, that’s when Kopecký could really let loose. Even though it was a wild ride sometimes, everyone left the car brimming with excitement.

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

Reason to celebrate

The end of the 2017 year definitely deserves a special celebration – it’s the culmination of a three-year success story, where the drivers of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 have won three WRC2 world championship titles in speed tests in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America and many other victories. What’s more, next year will see the record-setting five competitive crews fight to defend their victory in the constructors' championship against brand new challengers from other carmakers. They’ll also battle for the titles against WRC2 drivers and the Czech Republic championship, not to mention the ultimate goal – total victory in the Asian-Pacific championship.

Even with all the exceptional events of the past year, the Prague speed test was something exceptional for everyone involved.

[driver_medallion id="1" show_info="false"]

Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA FABIA R5 Taxi 2017

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