Q&A: Pavel Janeba - Skoda Team Principal.

The 2002 world rally season will truly be an historic milestone for the Mlada Boleslav based Skoda works team.

For the first time in its history Skoda Motorsport will compete in the complete programme of the FIA World rally championship, consisting of 14 events this year.

In addition, following a new FIA regulation for scoring manufacturer's points, the team will run three Octavia World Rally Cars at each event. So we took this opportunity to put a few questions to one of the most important people involved - team principal Pavel Janeba - about the current and future prospects for the team.

Q:
How do you rate to date the successes of the WRC programme and what does the fourth season with the Octavia WRC mean to you?

Pavel Janeba:
The four year WRC programme was agreed by the board of directors of Skoda Auto in October 1998. Since than we have learned a host of new things, not least of course about the car. But as well as learning about, for instance, the technology, we have gained experience in areas such as logistics from being a team on the move. We can say now that this year we are commonly accepted as a stable part of the rallying world, not only by the fans but also by our competitors. The forthcoming season will, in my opinion, be the summit of our project because we ought to see in this year what we can achieve in terms of real competition with our competitors.

Q:
It is no secret that every manufacturer is continuously developing the car. What changes we can expect of the 2002 Octavia WRC?

PJ:
Before the end of last year we started to test the new engine electronic management. Even though it is too early to assess the full results, in general, we can say that we are heading the right direction. Also we have chosen a different supplier of the shock absorbers. But any changes we apply to the car we can do only according to the current homologation. We are preparing bigger changes in the new evolution of the car, which we plan to homologate from April 1st 2002. This will obviously be dependant on evolution testing. To be a bit more specific changes will include modifying the engine and the cooling system, which will obviously force some visible changes to the hood and front bumper.

Q:
For the year 2002 there is quite a big change with new drivers. Can you tell us how they are doing so far and what are your expectations?

PJ:
Both the new drivers, Kenneth Eriksson and Toni Gardemeister, had the opportunity to run long stretches of test kilometres. Their reaction, after they got to know the car and made the set ups according to their needs and driver styles, was very positive. Their response was that, in comparison to other cars they have driven during their previous contracts, the Octavia WRC is a very good car. So I do expect them to score some good results and I can say on behalf of the team that we will always give them 100% to ensure the conditions for the drivers are the very best. Roman Kresta's goal will be to continue gaining experience at world level and develop his talent. Roman already knows from last year that the world championship is much tougher than the Czech national one, so it isn't realistic to expect miracles. All the drivers should benefit from having Stig Blomqvist on the team, for his massive experience which will be so helpful in development testing.

Q:
Have there been any radical changes for the team following the new FIA rules for scoring manufacturer's points?

PJ:
The most visible one is the change of the so-called optimisation test before each event. These testings will this year be immediately prior to every rally, just before the start of recce, with all three drivers in an area close to the special stages. The test car will then be prepared as a third rally car for the event, either for Stig or for Roman. For us it will simplify the logistics as the transport of mechanics and material and the drivers will have a chance to test the car in very similar conditions as those they will face during the event.

Q:
It is normal for fans and insiders to focus on the more visible changes to Skoda Motorsport, like the development of the Octavia WRC and the changes to the driver squad, but is there anything else you would like to improve this year?

PJ:
The thing I am sorry about is that we do not have the capacity to build facilities for customer car services. At a time when, not only in the Czech championship, but also abroad, there are privateers with Octavia WRC's, that would be beneficial. But what is not happening now can happen in the future and that is what I have learnt during my long time in rallysport - not to give up.