Freddy Loix doesn’t expect tactics to be deployed on Barum Czech Rally Zlín as he bids to prevent local hero Jan Kopecký from winning his first Intercontinental Rally Challenge event of the season.
The factory ŠKODA drivers are one second apart heading into the final loop of three stages with Kopecký just ahead. Loix won in Zlín last season when Kopecký crashed out of first place.
“I hope there won’t be tactics because I am fighting for the championship,” said Loix, who began the event 13 points behind Juho Hänninen, currently in third place after 12 stages. “I have to fight against Juho and I have to fight against Jan. It’s too early in the season for tactics.”
Czech manufacturer ŠKODA is on course to emulate the podium lockout it recorded in Zlín in 2010 following a dominant display on the asphalt round. Loix won June’s GEKO Ypres Rally but Kopecký hasn’t taken victory in the IRC since his first place finish on Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés in May 2010.
The next stage, the repeat of the famous Maják test, which is back on the itinerary for the first time in 20 years, gets underway at 12:12hrs local time. The stage totals 22.69 kilometres.