Why 12 is just a number for ERC’s Zlín king Kopecký

That’s according to the Škoda-driving legend, whose tally of 11 triumphs is a Barum Czech Rally Zlín record.  

Kopecký, the 2013 ERC champion, is winless so far in the Czech championship this season and starts his country’s flagship event trailing his younger compatriot Domink Stříteský in the race for the national title.  

“Win number 12 would be win number 12, that’s it,” said Michelin-equipped Kopecký. “I think everything is possible on this rally because it will be really demanding and we have to see what the weather conditions will be because this can change a lot.   

“We have this new challenging stage, Bunč. Okay, it’s not completely new but 90 per cent nobody has done it before and this gravel part can get completely muddy if it’s going to be wet or it will be cleaning up quite much if it’s dry so let’s see.”

Asked if he can halt Kopecký’s winning run in Zlín and earn Hankook its maiden 2024 ERC victory, Stříteský (above) said: “It’s hard to say. There are a lot of fast drivers also from Czech Republic and from the European championship so it won’t be easy and also because of the weather, because it’s 50/50 if it will rain or not. We will do what we can and Sunday will show us.  

“It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or dry but not one stage like this, one stage like that. I prefer it to be constant to make the right tyre choice.  

“We want to fight for the win but we have to think about the Czech championship.”  

The 53rd edition of Barum Czech Rally Zlín gets under way with a spectacular three-lap super special stage through the streets of host city Zlín from 21:15 local time today (Friday).