Barum ERC: Jan Kopecky on his way to an 11th home victory?

Including the one traced in the evening in the streets of the city of Zlin which hosts the rally, there were 7 special stages to run during this first stage, i.e. 108,03 km timed.

Winner of the qualification, Filip Mares did not confirm. Struggling to find the right rhythm, he lets his opponents slip away and for the local it will not be easy to get back on the podium. During the SS contested in front of a large crowd on Friday night, Simon Wagner took the lead, then he was relayed on Saturday morning by Alexey Lukyanuk. He made his return to competition in Rome after a 2-year break due to the war in Ukraine and he demonstrated that he has lost none of his speed. The Russian double European champion (2018 and 2020) was in turn dislodged by Miklos Csomos in SS3 and in SS4 it was Erik Cais who took control. Coming from this region, he was supported by the entire public, but he could not resist Jan Kopecky. The latter moved into the leadership chair for the first time at the end of the 5^e special and he widened the gap further with two best times in the final two sections. The one who already has 10 successes at Barum, will he be able to contain his opponents tomorrow to grab an 11^e trophy?

A novice on this terrain, Mathieu Franceschi respected his schedule by covering all the special stages and learning the subtleties of this rally. The Frenchman is 9^e with possibilities to improve your ranking.

There will indeed be 6 ES to compete on Sunday with 92,40 km timed.

Ranking after the first stage of the Barum Rally