Zoom A new challenge for Jan Kopecky

Up-and-coming Czech star Jan Kopecky – who made a name for himself with some giant-killing performances on the World Championship in a Skoda – will drive a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 car on at least the first four rounds of the IRC this year.

The Czech driver's campaign will start in Turkey at the Istanbul Rally from April 4-6, where he is seeded as car number two, just behind Abarth's Giandomenico Basso.

Kopecky has already had a brief test session with his Peugeot back home in the Czech Republic, but this was curtailed due to snow. His car will be run by his own Motorsport Kopecky team, with which he has plenty of experience. The Czech driver will also continue to test Skoda's new Super 2000 Fabia throughout the season. Kopecky previously claimed the best-ever overall result for the Skoda Fabia WRC on the World Championship – with fifth overall on the 2006 Catalunya Rally.

“I'm looking forward to the challenge of the IRC this season,” said Kopecky. “It's a new adventure for me and I am sure it will be very competitive. So far we have the finance in place for the first four rallies, but I am looking to find the budget to complete the season.”

Kopecky is set to be a frontrunner on every event this year, but he could be particularly strong in Portugal – as he will be the only top IRC driver to have contested the event last year.

Source: IRC
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