Three ŠKODA Fabia R5 cars were entered in the final round of the World Rally Championship 2015 under the banner of the customer teams. All three crews managed to overcome all the demanding requirements of the Wales Rally GB and made it to the finish.
The competitors had to tackle with demanding rally and familiar harsh weather. It was raining since Friday and since Saturday the strong wind was also the concern. Therefore, the crews had to cope with muddy and very slippery roads.
On Day 1, Eyvind Brynildsen/Anders Fredriksson (NOR/SWE) were fighting for top positions in WRC 2 category. Their ŠKODA Fabia R5 #33 scored top 6 times on all Friday stages and was fourth in WRC 2 provisional classification.
Brynildsen had to withdraw on Saturday due to damaged drive-shaft, but he returned under the Rally 2 rules on Sunday. The abilities of the car, strenght and determination of the crew were pointed out, when Brynildsen/Fredriksson won the spectacular asphalt SS18 Great Orme.
Hubert Ptaszek debuted behind the wheel of ŠKODA Fabia R5 in Wales. 22-year-old Pole is still gaining more experience in WRC, but he managed to finish the rally for the third time from three starts in Wales. Hubert Ptaszek/Kamil Kozdroń (POL/POL) brought joy to their team scoring third fastest time in WRC 2 category at SS13 Chirk Castle on Saturday.
The black-green ŠKODA Fabia R5 of Luca Hoelbling/Mauro Grassi (ITA/ITA) wasn´t entered into WRC 2 classification, but also this car made it over the finish ramp.
Wales Rally GB was the final round of 2015 WRC season. The opening round of the 2016 season will be once again the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo on 22th to 24th January 2016.
