Kopecký, driving a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo on his local roads, edged Simon Wagner’s similar car by just one-tenth of a second in the 4.57km Žlutava warm-up.
Filip Mareš, who also hails from the Czech Republic, ended two-tenths further back to make it three Fabia cars on the top podium. While the weather remained dry, road conditions - particularly in the tree-lined sections - were damp with mud on the inside of some corners.
That seemed to suit the local drivers, with Ford Fiesta youngster Erik Cais winding up 0.9sec off the pace in fourth, followed by Adam Brezík just two-tenths behind.
Ken Torn brought his Fiesta home in sixth overall ahead of 2022 FIA ERC champion Efrén Llarena, whose aim is simply to enjoy this weekend’s event in his Team MRF Tyres Škoda.
Tom Kristensson - returning for the first time since Latvia in his Hyundai i20 R5 - placed eighth, while Alberto Battistolli and Norbert Herczig rounded off the leader board in a pair of Škodas.
Start order selection takes place this afternoon in Zlín's city square and precedes the ceremonial start from 1600hrs. After that, crews have a few hours to relax before the curtain-raising Zlín Super Special test.
Cars will be reverse-seeded, with the first ERC crews expected to start the stage around 2200hrs tonight.
- 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.
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