Jan Kopecky won again – Swedish driver takes junior championship and big prize

Kopecký’s victory in the third-to-last round of the ERC season came with a margin of 10.7 seconds over Irishman Jon Armstrong. Driving a Škoda, Kopecký seized control of the rally on Saturday morning and never relinquished the lead thereafter.

For Kopecký, it was already his 12th career win in the event held around the city of Zlín. The Czech driver first triumphed there back in 2009.

“I knew I could be quick. It’s been a long journey, but it was worth it. A big thank you to the team, my co-driver and all the supporters,” Kopecký sighed.

Armstrong secured the third podium finish of his ERC career. His previous two had come on gravel in Poland, but now the Irishman also succeeded on tarmac.

“I didn’t expect this. It was a fantastic weekend. I was pushing flat out all the time. Yesterday I was able to enjoy it, today there was a bit more of a fight. I just had to make sure we didn’t do anything silly,” Armstrong explained.

Third place went to Italy’s Andrea Mabellini, who had also been on the podium at the previous round in Rome. Mabellini trailed runner-up Armstrong by only 3.1 seconds.

In the standings, Mabellini sits second, 11 points behind Miko Marczyk, who finished seventh. However, the ERC discards each driver’s worst result at the end of the season. Mabellini’s dropped score would be a retirement in Hungary, while Marczyk would lose the 13 points he gained in Sweden. That means Mabellini currently has the tighter grip on the championship.

“It feels great. It was fantastic to fight against Mister Barum, but his pace is unbelievable. I have so many people supporting me. A huge thanks to all of them”, Mabellini summed up.

Fourth place in Czechia went to Hyundai driver Simon Wagner, ahead of Erik Cais. Toyota’s Filip Mareš finished sixth, just in front of Marczyk and Adam Březík.

Sweden’s Calle Carlberg was crowned ERC Junior champion in Czechia, despite having to retire. Driving an Opel, Carlberg nevertheless reached the finish and collected enough points to secure the title.

This season, Carlberg had already taken wins in Hungary, Poland and Rome, plus a runner-up result in Spain. His championship earns him a prize drive programme for next year in the Junior WRC.

The ERC season still has two rounds left this year. In early September, points will be contested on tarmac in Wales, with the season finale also on asphalt in Croatia at the beginning of October.

Final results of Rally Czech Republic (ERC):