Czechs already ahead at Barum Rally

From the first passages in the 4,57 km section used for this final test session, the Czech drivers stood out. Dominant during the previous edition, Erk Cais demonstrated that he would still have to be reckoned with by setting the best time. He overtook the record holder for victories at Barum, Jan Kopecky. Filip Mares (5^e) and Adam Brezik (6^e) came to complete this handover just troubled by Simon Wagner (3^e) and Ken Torn (4^e).

Simon Wagner was one of the few to resist the Czech drivers during qualifying for the Barum Rally (Photo Red Bull)

After the three passes made by the competitors, the qualification saw a change in the hierarchy. True master of the place, Kopeck set the best time ahead of 3 of his compatriots, Mares (3^e), Cais (4^e) and Brezik (5^e). The domination would have been perfect without Wagner interjecting again. Titled two days ago in ERC, Efren Llarena took 7^e place preceding the Hyundai by Tom Kristensson. Although these results should be viewed with caution, Laurent Pellier moved to the top of the ERC3 category ahead of Andrea Mabellini and Toni Herranen. The match between Alpine by Manu Guigou and Raphaël Astier is also launched, the Vauclusian having achieved the best time. At the end of a short afternoon which will allow a final check of the equipment, the competitors will compete in SS1 in the streets of Zlin this evening from 20:45 p.m. Always tricky, these 9,57 km will already establish a hierarchy at the head of the race.