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Kopecky 'exceeds' pre-France target |
Jan Kopecky bounced back from his early retirement in Spain in fine style this weekend by claming seventh spot in Corsica - and two world championship points.
Kopecky moved up into a points' position following the final leg on Saturday, when Francois Duval was forced out on the road section back to the final service. The Czech then gained another spot on Sunday when Xavier Pons had to stop a change a tyre following a puncture in SS13.
Speaking at the finish, Jan was delighted to break into the points, especially as the characteristics of the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse didn't really suit his Fabia WRC car.
“Seventh place is excellent and I really value this result. During the entire Tour de Corse our Skoda Fabia WRC performed exquisitely and I was also very happy with its driving qualities. In order for us to reach better positions though, we would need a greater engine torque and performance,” he explained.
“We entered the final day's leg with a clear goal. This was to complete the rally with no complications. Understandably we watched the crews behind us in order not to permit any drama in the close of the event.
“During the ten starts this year we were able to collect points on five occasions. We currently have ten world points, which currently means a tenth place in the world championship standings.
"Even with this we can be happy, because we have more points than in the last season, where we started with the same car. I would not be able to achieve these results however without the support from the entire Czech Rally Team Kopecký and all our partners.”
Kopecky's co-driver, Filip Schovanek meanwhile reckoned the result was far better than they had dared imagined pre-event.
“Although Jan adapted our pace today to the goal of bring our Fabia WRC to the finish ramp, we still achieved times in the top ten in all special stages,” he continued. “At the finish of the race we had a lead of more than one and half minutes on the eighth crew. With the seventh place we have exceeded our pre-rally plans and we can be very happy.”
Czech Rally Team Kopecky boss, Josef Kopecky was also delighted and congratulated the whole team on the result – the fifth time this season they have managed to get into the top eight.
“I am happy with the result. Considering the possibilities of the car, which we have available, the seventh place on special stages of such character is a much better result than what I expected. During the three legs Jan and Filip drove very quickly and especially steadily. They fully deserve the two points for their performance.
“The excellent result however, is not only a consequence of their driving, but of the performance by the entire Czech Rally Team Kopecky. This is why my words of praise belong to all of them,” he concluded.
