Kopecký: Fans believed in us

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27. 8. 2018 - Petr Říha

Jan Kopecký's winning series continues on Barum Czech Rally Zlín. The Škoda Motorsport factory driver managed to overtake Lukyanuk and won by 7.5 seconds. This is his fourth consecutive victory and seventh overall making the best driver of Barum rally ever.

Kopecký has already secured himself another Czech rally title and came very well prepared to Zlín. He continued in his winning spirit from WRC2 in Germany. However, Leg 1 was marked by three punctures, which meant only the second position. But the next day he proved how dominant he could be. "We were down after the punctures. Our thank you goes to the fans. We saw how much they care and support us. How much they wanted us to win and that was the key. They believed in us and that's why we won," said Kopecký.

It was Kopecký's most demanding race on Barum rally. Not only because of all the technical issues but also because of the rain and mud on the roads. "On Sunday we bet on tyres for dry surface and that worked. This season is perfect so far. It's the end of August and we haven't lost a single race. We'll try to keep this pace for the last two rallies. So far this season is the best," said Kopecký.

Alexey Lukyanuk is doing very well in ERC and that had an influence on his strategy for the last couple stages in which he lost the first position. "I'm a bit said that we're second and not the first ones, but sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That's rally. Maybe next year. The most important thing was to finish and gain points," said the 38-year-old driver, who increased his lead in the FIA European Rally Championship. "It was really hard rally. I'm glad that it's over and we finished. I admire fans that came here despite the weather," said Lukyanuk.

The bronze place got Daniel Sordo from Spain whose presence gathered a lot of attention. He is currently holding the sixth position in WRC. The Hyundai Motorsport team suggested that he tries a different car, namely Hyundai i20 R5 and tests it on Barum rally. He beat Miroslav Jakeš (Škoda Fabia R5) only by 0.3 seconds. "Congratulations to the guys ahead us. The rally was so difficult and weather made it even more. I'm very happy about the result. We enjoyed the atmosphere and we'd like to thank the fans. I liked it here and maybe one day I return," said Sordo

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