Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Flash info from the mechanics' point of view

29. 8. 2014 - Michael Tupý, Mariana Petrů, press centre BCRZ

On Friday afternoon in the Service Park Otrokovice we took the opportunity to interview not the drivers, but their mechanics. Their views and opinions are certainly interesting.

Jaroslav Orsák, David Šmeidler (CZE, Škoda Fabia S2000, st. no. 15):
'Since the crew was satisfied with the shakedown results, we made only small repairs and we don't expect to do any other today.'

Roman Odložilík, Martin Tureček (CZE, Ford Fiesta R5, st. no. 16):
'We have no complains about the service facilities. The suspension setup will remain the same, we only made minor changes. We think our driver will be the first one to cross the finish line.'

Mark Higgins, Carl Williamson (GBR, Subaru Impreza STi, st. no. 27):
'The crew is experienced enough; today's weather is great so there aren't any complications. Because the car setup is not ideal we need to make even more modifications. The tracks here are quite bumpy. The Service Park lived up to our expectations.'

Marcel Tuček, Petr Dufek (CZE, Subaru Impreza STi, st. no. 35):
'Marcel is happy with the car. However, this car is being lent to other crews as well; therefore we had to make some resets. Move his seat, adjust the shocks and so on. Guys simply want to undergo this rally not fight for victory. Everything's alright, no stress. As for the service we're happy. Although we do have some troubles with the electrics. If we turn on more appliances, the circuit breaker goes off.'

Vlastimil Majerčák, Marcel Kollárik (SVK, Škoda Fabia S2000, st. no. 36):
'Both the weather and the atmosphere are amazing. Even though this is the crew's first competition with this car, they're content. No major modifications or repairs have been made.'

Jan Černý, Pavel Kohout (CZE, Peugeot 208 R2, st. no. 40):
'We've got a new type of fuel. Beer kegs instead of petrol. Shakedown went great and the crew has a good feeling about the car and the atmosphere as well. 'Note: the crew was unloading the beer kegs in the service.

Stéphane Lefebvre, Thomas Dubois (FRA, Peugeot 208 R2, st. no. 41):
'Shakedown went smoothly. However, we did have to change the shocks setup and we also repaired some details.' The track surface is quite rough and bumpy. I don't think the shakedown results are important as they don't have any impact on the final standings. Personally, I have faith in our drivers. I think they'll do well. The ServicePark is very well equipped and nothing is missing. We only had to replace the cracked windshield.'

Tomáš Pospíšilík, Lukáš Vyoral (CZE, Citroën C2 R2, st. no. 51):
'The drivers passed the shakedown three times. Based on the shakedown results we fine-tuned the chassis setup and in the Service Park we made small repairs. I do think the guys will finish. It's their goal. The Service Park is great, we have all we need.'