Martin Prokop won’t be on the starting ramp when Rally d’Italia-Sardegna gets underway on Friday night, despite having planned to enter the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier in his Ford Fiesta Super 2000.
Prokop’s car required an engine rebuild following its last rally and the work couldn’t be completed in time to enable the Czech to start the Olbia-based gravel event.
He said: "It’s bad news because I like this rally having done it for the last five years and was looking forward to competing there again. Unfortunately we have a problem with the engine and there is nothing I can do."
Prokop could still take part in this year’s IRC when the championship visits his home county for Barum Czech Rally Zlin from 27-29 August.
"It is not decided but I want to do more races and it is obviously a rally I would like to do so I hope to be there," added the 27-year-old.