The only competitor who could have spoiled the ŠKODA Motorsport party at Bohemia Rally, fourth round of the SONAX Czech Rally Championship 2021, was Ford driver Vacláv Pech. Right from the start, he was locked in a fierce battle with ŠKODA Motorsport’s test driver Jan Kopecký. But on the sixth special stage, the hydraulic system of Pech’s Ford failed. Kopecký took the lead, which was never in danger until the finish. “It is a very special moment for me, that I could achieve my ninth victory here. There is no better way to celebrate the 120th anniversary of ŠKODA’s activities in motorsport,” emphasized Jan Kopecký at the finish.
As a reward for good performances during the first three championship events, Dominik Stříteský drove Bohemia Rally with support from ŠKODA Motorsport. And the 21 years young talent delivered. Together with co-driver Jiří Hovorka he finished second with the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo carrying the colours of the factory team. Jan Černý/Petr Černohorský of Louda Auto ŠKODA Racing Team in third place overall completed an all ŠKODA podium. Filip Mareš and co-driver Radovan Bucha, sharing an all-new limited production ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo Edition 120 from Laureta Auto ŠKODA Team, were initially holding second place. After a puncture during the eleventh stage they eventually finished fourth overall.
The third ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo in ŠKODA Motorsport colours was driven by 20 years old Marco Bulacia Wilkinson of Bolivia with Marcel Der Ohannesian of Argentina in the navigator’s seat. The South American crew is currently third in the WRC2 overall standings of the FIA World Rally Championship and used the Bohemia Rally to improve its driving skills on tarmac. After setting third fastest time at the opening stage, they went off on the third stage, damaged the rear right wheel and could only continue after a roadside repair carried out by the crew. With brakes only on three wheels, they dropped to 12th position. After the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo was properly repaired at service, Bulacia started a race to catch up. A string of fast stage times made him climb to fifth position at the finish.
“I have to thank Jan for his beautiful birthday present he gave to all of us to celebrate the 120th anniversary of ŠKODA’s activities in motorsport. Again, he showed his speed and experience to win for the ninth time our home event. I am as well delighted by the strong performance of our young guns Dominik Stříteský and Marco Bulacia,” said Michal Hrabánek, Director of ŠKODA Motorsport.
Result Bohemia Rally (Czech Rally Championship 2021)
1. Kopecký/Hloušek (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, 1:27:15.1 hrs.
2. Stříteský/Hovorka (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, +1:08.4 min.
3. Černý/Černohorský (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, +1:21.4 min.
4. Mareš/Bucha, (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, +1:29.7 min.
5. Bulacia/Der Ohannesian (BOL/ARG), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, +1:56.8 min.
6. Cvrček/Prokorát, (CZE/CZE), ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo, +2:53.1 min.
Number of the rally: 9
Among the top 10 of the final classification of Bohemia Rallye were nine crews competing with a ŠKODA FABIA rally car.
SONAX Czech Rally Championship 2021
Valašská Rally ValMez 27/03 -28/03/2021
Rallye Šumava Klatovy 08/05 – 09/05/2021
Agrotec Petronas Rally Hustopeče 18/06 – 19/06/2021
Bohemia Rally 10/07 – 11/07/2021
Barum Czech Rally Zlín 27/08 – 29/08/2021
Invelt Rally Pačejov 01/10 – 03/10/2021
Rallye Český Krumlov date to be announced
