The updated ŠKODA FABIA R5 adopts key design elements of the 2019 ŠKODA FABIA road car. Additionally, the rally car gets important technical improvements. Key components of the current rally car have been optimised to improve the competitiveness of the new car even more. Compared to its predecessor, the engine performance has been further improved. The bodyshell has been strengthened and a new roll cage according to the FIA 2019 regulation has been fitted. The new steering has a more direct ratio, longer wheel travel offers better traction.
Reigning WRC 2 champion Jan Kopecký is looking forward to the upcoming third round of the Czech championship 2019, the Rally Český Krumlov (17/05/–18/05/2019): “I am pleased that I have the chance to drive the new ŠKODA FABIA R5 at its world premiere again. With its predecessor, I could win four years ago the debut event at the Rally Šumava Klatovy 2015”, explains the Czech rally champion.
ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek says: “Besides our factory program, which also includes the upcoming Rally Portugal, we are working hard to deliver the first new cars to our customers in the second half of the year. Jan Kopecký was the key test driver when the new car was developed in its test program. Together with his teammate Kalle Rovanperä, he will give the updated ŠKODA FABIA R5 its debut in the FIA World Rally Championship at the upcoming Rally Portugal (30/05/–02/06/2019), entered in WRC 2 Pro category.
2019 calendar of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR)
Event / Date
Kowax Valašská Rally ValMez 29/03/–31/03/2019
Rally Šumava Klatovy 26/04/–27/04/2019
Rally Český Krumlov 17/05/–18/05/2019
Agrotec Rally Hustopeče 14/06/–15/06/2019
Rally Bohemia Mladá Boleslav 12/07/–14/07/2019
Barum Czech Rally Zlín 16/08/–18/08/2019
SVK Rally Příbram 04/10/–06/10/2019
The calendar of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2 Pro)
Event / Date
Monte-Carlo 24/01/–27/01/2019
Sweden 14/02/–17/02/2019
Mexico 07/03/–10/03/2019
France 28/03/–31/03/2019
Argentina 25/04/–28/04/2019
Chile 09/05/–12/05/2019
Portugal 30/05/–02/06/2019
Italy 13/06/–16/06/2019
Finland 01/08/–04/08/2019
Germany 22/08/–25/08/2019
Turkey 12/09/–15/09/2019
Great Britain 03/10/–06/10/2019
Spain 24/10/–27/10/2019
Australia 14/11/–17/11/2019
