Kopecky wins by a breath at Barum

Jan Kopecky takes another victory at the Barum Rally after a breathtaking finish against Freddy Loix. Juho Hänninen gives Skoda the hat-trick, with Thierry Neuville falling short of the podium.

Published on 28/08/2011 à 16:03

⁰ View comments)

The Barum Rally Zlin will have been contested from start to finish. If Jan Kopecky (Skoda) quickly emerged as leader of the event, the Czech was never able to build a sufficient lead to protect himself from his competitors. Freddy Loix failed in second place for only 1??2 behind while Juho Hänninen kept pace with the leaders for a long time before protecting his third place.

The pilots Peugeot fought well but they were not spared from the problems. Bryan Bouffier was able to finish on the podium but the Frenchman went off the road in the first special of the last stage. Fourth place goes to Thierry Neuville, who is ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda), very impressive on this rally. The Norwegian achieved several stage wins and could claim victory without his puncture in the eighth special.

Toni Gardemeister (Skoda) secures the points for sixth place by four seconds ahead Craig Breen (Ford), impressive at the wheel of Fiesta S2000. Roman Kresta (Skoda), P. Andersson (Proton) and Karl Kruuda (Skoda) complete the top ten.

Find the report on the Barum Rally Zlin in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, on sale from Wednesday.