ŠKODA Motorsport has set itself some lofty goals for the 44th Rallye Český Krumlov: to repeat last year’s success, continue the winning run, and extend the lead in the Czech Rally Championship (MČR). Last year’s winners Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) are looking to tighten their grip on top spot at round two of the Czech national championship, preferably with their second win of the season.
ŠKODA works duo Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) will be in action in the Czech Republic for the second time this season on Friday and Saturday. The speedy Swedes gave the ŠKODA Motorsport team their first win of the season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC2) at the Rally Portugal last weekend.
“We made a perfect start to the Czech Rally Championship with the one-two achieved by Jan Kopecký and Pontus Tidemand at the Rallye Šumava Klatovy,” says ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We are pleased to be back ralying in front of our home crowd again. Last year’s Rallye Český Krumlov was hard to beat, in terms of drama. Jan Kopecký only secured a thrilling victory on the very last stage.
Thousands of fans are expected again at the second of six rounds of this MČR season. The iconic event begins on Friday in České Budějovice and ends after 14 stages and 167.08 kilometres against the clock in Český Krumlov on Saturday.
Not only could Jan Kopecký claim his second win of the season, but he could also win the famous rally for the third time, having previously triumphed in 2012 and 2015. “We want to challenge for the win again. That is going to require a top performance. Pontus Tidemand and Václav Pech are among those who will give as good as they get again,” says the 34-year-old Jan Kopecký, who has won his last six MČR rallies in the ŠKODA FABIA R5, starting last season.
Pontus Tidemand and his co-driver Jonas Andersson are making their second guest appearance in the Czech championship at the Rallye Český Krumlov. “Jonas and I are looking forward to our next rally in the home of the ŠKODA brand, as the fans are really special here,” says 25-year-old Pontus Tidemand.
As at the Rallye Šumava Klatovy, Kopecký/Dresler and Tidemand/Andersson will face competition from ŠKODA customer teams in South Bohemia.
Did you know, that…
…ŠKODA is the dominant manufacturer in the entry list of the Rallye Český Krumlov?
34 of 80 registered drivers will be at the wheel of the ŠKODA cars.
…ŠKODA won the very first Rallye Český Krumlov?
At the inaugural event in 1971, a certain Mr Janouch (CZ), at the wheel of the iconic 1100 MB, claimed the first of many victories for ŠKODA.
…Czech rally legend Roman Kresta is the record winner at the Rallye Český Krumlov?
He triumphed here seven times in total.
…some sections of the route at the Rallye Český Krumlov take place on pistes used for skiing in the winter?
The 13.76-kilometre “Lipno” stage, which is run twice on the Saturday, forms both the highest point of the rally and the final stage.
…the service park for the rally is once again located in České Budějovice?
The largest city in South Bohemia, with 93,000 inhabitants, is known around the world for Budweiser Budvar beer.
…the city of Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The historic centre of the city on the Vltava river is regarded as a unique cultural monument.
