Kopecky remains the king of the Barum Rally by a narrow margin

They were only a stone's throw away from a first victory in the European Rally Championship (ERC). Erik Cais and his co-driver Jindřiška Žáková could open their account at the end of the Barum Czech Rally Zlin this Sunday, August 29, but an exit from the road in the 15th and final special stage extinguished their hopes.

The young 22-year-old driver and his sidekick escaped their Ford Fiesta Rally2 unscathed. The ES was then cancelled.

Erik Cais has rolled 😱
The crew is ok.#FIAERC #BarumCzechRallyZlin pic.twitter.com/XpD1OWgAOI

— European Rally Championship (@FIAERC) August 29

The misfortunes of the Czech duo bring happiness to their compatriot, Jan Kopecký (Skoda). The experienced 39-year-old driver won his tenth Barum Rally by the wire with the help of co-driver Jan Hloušek.

“He would have deserved to win this event, recognized, handsome player, Jan Kopecký. He was going so fast. It was a rally very trying, the weather conditions were constantly changing during the first stage on Saturday. There were some wet sections during this last SS. I hope to return to the Barum Rally in 2022.”

The podium is completed by the former driver of WRC, Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda). The Norwegian took the opportunity to take a slight lead at the top of the general classification at the end of this fourth round of 2021. Flip Mares (Skoda is third.

For their discovery of this asphalt rally, the French Yoann Bonato and Benjamin Boulloud (Citroën) finished in ninth place.

Satisfaction on the other hand for Jean-Baptiste Franceschi and Antony Gorguilo (Renault), who managed to overcome a three-minute penalty to snatch success in ERC3 Junior!

What a race from JB Franceschi and Antony Gorguilo, #ERC3Junior winners despite a 3 minute penalty!#FIAERC #BarumCzechRallyZlin pic.twitter.com/D5QEXQa5vl

— European Rally Championship (@FIAERC) August 29