Skoda confirms the Rovanperä-Kopecky duo and unveils its 5 Fabia R2019

After a once again successful 2018 campaign in WRC 2 (Drivers title for Jan Kopecky, coupled with the Teams title), Skoda Motorsport will continue its involvement in the World Rally Championship in 2019, still in the category reserved for cars meeting R5 regulations.

For this, the Czech firm will trust its historic driver Jan Kopecky, assisted once again by Kalle Rovanperä. The tandem will operate on an evolved version of the Fabia R5, drafts of which were presented this Tuesday evening.

On the other hand, Pontus Tidemand, 2 WRC 2017 champion, will leave the team.

@MotorsportSkoda farewell to @PontusTidemand @swerallywrc Jonas Andersson, thank you guys for a fantastic performance #SKODA and all the best for your future @OfficialWRC @eWRCresults pic.twitter.com/4m8utJoOJU

— ŠKODA Motorsport (@MotorsportSkoda) November 27, 2018

© Skoda Motorsport

The 2019 version of the Fabia R5 incorporates a new front end, inspired by the road version, as well as new styles for the headlights and taillights, which are now equipped with LEDs.

“The study foreshadows the appearance of the future generation of the Fabia R5, which is expected to be approved in the second half of 2019 and made available to customers later. » says Skoda.

Note that Skoda has unveiled a golden livery for its current Fabia R5, to celebrate the car's career and an exceptional 2018. In addition to international titles, several drivers shone in the national championships, notably Sylvain Michel in the French Terrestrial Rally Championship.

© Skoda Motorsport