Kopecký is already chasing his 12th victory in the city of Zlín. Last year, his streak of nine wins came to an end when fellow countryman Dominik Stříteský celebrated victory. This time, however, last year’s winner was forced to retire already on the final stage of the morning loop.
Since then, Kopecký has taken control of the rally. The 43-year-old Czech driver leads the event after seven special stages, but Irishman Jon Armstrong is putting up a strong fight. Driving a Ford, Armstrong trails Kopecký by only 6.5 seconds.
“I have enough experience that there’s no need to be nervous anymore. I love this sport. If everything is working well, it’s just passion,” Kopecký enthused.
“The stages suited both me and the car well today. It should be the same tomorrow. Everyone has done a good job today. I was a little surprised how rough the roads became and how much gravel there was on the surface,” Armstrong told.
In third place is Italy’s Andrea Mabellini, 13 seconds off the lead. Austria’s Simon Wagner holds fourth ahead of the host nation’s Filip Mareš and Erik Cais.
In the Czech ERC round, six more special stages will be run on Sunday.
Standings in the Czech ERC Rally after SS7/13:
| POS. | Driver | Car | Time |
| 1. | Jan Kopecky | Skoda | 1:05:00.4 |
| 2. | Jon Armstrong | Ford | +6.5 |
| 3. | Andrea Mabellini | Skoda | +13.0 |
| 4. | Simon Wagner | Hyundai | +19.2 |
| 5. | Filip Mares | Toyota | +24.5 |
| 6. | Erik Cais | Hyundai | +32.1 |
| 7. | Miko Marczyk | Skoda | +36.3 |
| 8. | Adam Brezik | Skoda | +42.3 |
