Kopecky gets closer to Meeke

Thanks to his victory at Barum Rally, Jan Kopecky (Skoda) came back to three lengths behind Kris Meeke in the IRC general classification with three events remaining in the season. The Czech, winner this weekend, savors his success all the more because he achieved it at home. “ Winning the Barum Rallye is something big because it is certainly the toughest IRC round of the year " Kopecky said.

« We finally managed to win after a series of second places (he finished in this position three times this season, editor’s note). The roads around Zlin are very difficult and the weather conditions made things even more difficult on Saturday afternoon. We are therefore particularly satisfied with what we have accomplished. »

While he was still nine lengths behind Meeke before the Russian Rally, Kopecky is gradually catching up and now finds himself on the heels of the Briton in the general standings (42 points for Meeke against 39 for Kopecky). The next rounds in Spain and Italy, run on asphalt, should then prove to be very competitive if by chance Skoda decides to continue because the Czech manufacturer's season is officially over. But Michal Hrabanek, director of Skoda Motorsport is already planning to field his Skodas in Italy. Behind, other drivers have in any case not said their last word. Giandomenico Basso (Abath) and Juho Hanninen (Skoda), with 27 units each, could still cause trouble.