ERC
Double delight for Master ERC star Vlček
Martin Vlček hit back from a Qualifying Stage crash to claim top Master ERC honours on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion last weekend – and move into the points lead in the process.
After Eamonn Boland and newcomer Neil Roskell had enjoyed stints at the head of the pack, Vlček took a lead he wouldn’t relinquish on stage four and posted 10 stage wins out of 12, despite early brake issues.
It was Vlček’s second successive Master ERC victory following his maiden triumph on Barum Czech Rally Zlín last month. Having also claimed three podiums earlier in the season, the 51-year-old has demoted Kowax DST Racing team-mate Dariusz Biedrzyński into second place in the Master ERC standings ahead of next month’s Croatia Rally finale.
JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion also marked a return to Hyundai power for Vlček after he switched to a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for his home event.
“Hyundai is our normal car but for the Barum Rally our three Hyundai cars were with other customers so I tried the Škoda,” Vlček explained. “The special stages were really, really fast and it was full attack. I am happy to finish.”
Vlček leads Biedrzyński by 17 points in the Master ERC category. The Croatia Rally takes place from 3 - 5 October.
