Černý: Semetin is like Finland on Tarmac

Competitors will drive the 11.51km Semetin stage twice on Saturday at the end of each loop.  

Černý regretted not being able to compete this weekend, with his main focus on lifting the WRC3 crown. He currently shares second in the standings with Lauri Joona and trails leader Sami Pajari by a single point. 

“It would be nice to be in Zlín, but our focus and concentration are on WRC3 this year,” he explained. 

• Full coverage from Barum Czech Rally Zlín will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.

Černý, who hails from the Czech Republic, has started the asphalt event 11 times previously - most recently in 2019. 

Fresh from taking WRC3 victory at last week’s Ypres Rally Belgium, the 32-year-old wasn’t short of advice for competitors ahead of this weekend.  

“It’s a difficult one,” Černý laughed when asked about Barum. “Let’s see how the weather is. When it is wet, there is a lot of mud and it is quite dirty.

“For me, Barum Czech Rally Zlín is one of the best rallies. There is one stage called Semetin - honestly, that is like Finland on Tarmac. I love it. The drivers have to appreciate this stage.”