Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

We’re 100% ready, said biggest favourite Kopecký

26. 8. 2016 - Petr Říha

Pilot Jan Kopecký is the biggest favourite of the 46th Barum Czech Rally Zlín, which is the eight event of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and the fifth event of Auto-club Czech Rally Championship 2016. Škoda Motorsport factory driver certainly does not lack motivation. If he wins on Sunday, he would become the most decorated driver in history of Barum Rally and he will receive the Challenge Cup for good. Plus he can add the fourth Czech Rally title to his collection.

Kopecký with car Škoda Fabia R5 amazingly managed to win nine events in a row on domestic roads. Five victories were achieved last year and this year he is still looking for an opponent in the Czech Rally Championship. If he continues with such great results, he will make history in Zlín. So far he won four times on Barum Rally, but only in odd years (2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015). 'We want to win every race and that corresponds with our preparation, which we did in Germany. We didn't underestimate any detail, we're 100% ready to be as fast as possible in Zlín,' said Jan Kopecký, a four-time winner of Barum Rally.

The native of Opočno believes he can break the curse of even years. If he adds one more victory, the Barum Czech Rally Zlín Challenge cup will change its owner for good. 'Of course, I'd like to be the first person to achieve this. As of Sunday, we'd like to be the permanent owners of the cup,' said the 34-year-old driver.

Zlín will also welcome the reigning European champion and the current leader of ERC Kajetan Kajetanowicz from Poland, Russian driver Alexey Lukyanuk (both on Ford Fiesta R5) and French Bryan Bouffier (Citroën DS3 R5). France's Bouffier is representing Zlín team GEMINI CLINIC RALLY TEAM. 'I'm happy to be back here. I'm looking forward to the fans and the nice roads. And I hope to achieve the best result possible,' smiled the winner of the legendary Rally Monte Carlo 2011. 'I can't wait for the city special stage, it has an amazing atmosphere. Ever since we arrived, I feel fans support. I'm happy about the weather too,' said Bouffier, reminding us that currently it is quite hot in Zlín and the temperature will rise over the weekend.