Skoda to give bonuses to its ERC teams

Are the manufacturers present in Rally2 starting to be worried about the decisions which should take place this week concerning the future of the WRC ? Indeed, if Rally2 becomes the benchmark in WRC, how long will the market in this category, which is doing so well, last?

A few days ago, Hyundai Motorsport has made an announcement aimed at its customers by offering vouchers to i20 Rally2 owners competing in a list of events in several countries. Without it being absolutely related, here is Skoda's response. The brand based in Mladá Boleslav is launching a bonus system for competitors operating in ERC, an unusual practice which denotes a particular atmosphere. To be eligible, teams must register for the competition with Skoda Motorsport before March 15 (on motorsport@skoda-auto.cz).

During each of the eight rounds of the series, the prize pool can reach 28 euros. If a Skoda team wins with a variant of the Fabia Rally000 (RS, evo, Rally2) the manufacturer will reward this success with a voucher of 2 euros. Second place will bring in 15 and third place 000 euros. “ We support our loyal customers and motivate teams to run one of our cars, explains Michal Hrabanek, director of Skoda Motorsport. At the same time, we are strengthening the position of the Skoda brand in the ERC. »

On certain events on the WRC and ERC calendar, the Skoda Motorsport spare parts service will be back with the presence of a truck. “ The idea of ​​having this vehicle in the service park of certain rallies is an important help for our customers, explains Radek Těšínský who manages the logistics of this program. This opportunity often helps prevent abandonments and provides crews with the opportunity to obtain necessary spares that they may not have in their own stock. »

At the end of the year, if the 2024 ERC champion drives a Fabia, Skoda Motorsport will offer a 50 euro discount to his team when purchasing a new Fabia RS. “ With this award, we pay tribute to the competitiveness of our most successful customers in the ERC by offering them substantial assistance to finance their 2025 campaign “, explains Lucie Bortová, customer program manager at Skoda Motorsport.

2024 European Championship (ERC) Calendar

Rally from Hungary April 12-14

Canaries May 2-5

Sweden June 13-15

Rally Estonia July 5-7

Rally of Rome July 26-28

Barum August 16-18

Rali Ceredigion (UK) August 30 – September 1

Silesian Rally (Poland) October 11-13