Barum ERC: Filip Marès sets the best time in qualifying

Traced a few kilometers west of the town of Zlin where the rally, the special serving as shakedown and qualifying was run under the sun, but after a storm. 3,14 km long, this section was negotiated in less than 2'10'' for the fastest. It offered an interesting summary of what this 7th round of the season will offer in ERC notably with a very present audience.

The two passes made during the morning confirmed what was expected, namely the domination of the locals. Four Czech drivers moved into the top 5. Jan Kopecky set the best time ahead of Filip Mares, while Dominik Stritesky and Adam Brezik ranked just behind Hayden Paddon in 3rd who was the only foreign competitor to manage to break this stranglehold of the natives.

Starting in the championship order for qualification, we had to wait for the arrival of the Czechs to have a real idea of ​​the result. Winner 10 times on this field, Kopecky was expected, but the latter had to be content with 6th place. It was in fact Filip Marès who took the lead and who would be the first to choose his starting position. He was ahead of Erik Cais who is really from this region and Simon Wagner. Other potential players were creeping into the top 10. Back in the ERC, Chris Ingram was 5th, Alexey Lukyanuk 8th and Hayden Paddon 9th, with the Kiwi criticizing himself for being too cautious. Discovering the terrain, Mathieu Franceschi was content with 15th place which implies that he should start tomorrow around this position.

After the spectacular special stage in the streets of Zlin, the first stage will continue on Saturday with 6 stages representing just under 100 km timed.