Cais drove his all-new Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to fourth place in WRC2 in 12th overall on Rallye Monte-Carlo, claiming three stage wins and third place in the WRC2 Challenger category in the process.
With April’s Croatia Rally up next on his WRC2 schedule, Cais will switch focus to Fafe’s ERC season opener from March 10-12 when he will be among the contenders for victory in northern Portugal.
“I’m really happy we finished like this with the new car because for sure it was a big step for us,” said the 23-year-old Czech talent of his Rallye Monte-Carlo performance. “The car has so good feeling, it was perfect, I just need to get more used to it. But it’s incredible to be a Czech guy in a Czech car and when we saw the new car [for the first time] it just looks incredible and I’m really happy to be driving it.”
Cais was competing on the Monte for the second time with co-driver Petr Těšínský by his side. He continued: “For sure there was not the snow, but it was still challenging because of the speed of everyone and with the grip [that was available] you could push like hell. I really enjoyed this rally and, in the end, we did a great job and now I’m looking forward to [the next] race.”
Of the ERC season opener in Fafe, Cais said the event would provide another opportunity to learn and improve.
“It will be the first time for me with the new Škoda on gravel so it will also be about gaining experience although I still want to fight,” Cais insisted. “Fafe is a beautiful rally with beautiful nature around and I really like to drive there, especially with the iconic stages and with the big jump [on the Lameirinha stage]. After doing the rally last year I know how the grip is with bad weather. Everything feels amazing to be there.”
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