The local star took 7min 34.2sec to complete the 12.73-kilometre stage in his Michelin-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
His performance propelled him to first overall on round six of the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship with a margin of 1.6sec over Jan Kopecký, who is chasing a record-extending victory on Barum Czech Rally Zlín.
Following his stage best, Březík said: “It’s a good start to the day but we have to manage it.”
Czech championship leader Domink Stříteský is third with two stages complete after he set the third quickest time on Březová. The Hankook-equipped driver reckoned he could have been even faster had it not been for a brake issue.
Simon Wagner, who led after winning Friday night’s SSS Zlín, has slipped to fourth overall, 8.3sec down on new pacesetter Březík.
Running first on the road Erik Cais reported a dusty surface through SS2 on his way to the fourth fastest time. However, the home hero’s 20-sec penalty from SS1 leaves him outside the points-paying top 15.
Behind Efrén Llarena, ERC title rivals Mathieu Franceschi and Hayden Paddon were sixth and seventh fastest respectively through SS2 with Filip Mareš eighth quickest following a front-right impact.
The 7.49-kilometre Kateřinice stage is next from 10:06 local time.
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