Rally2 (ex-R5) News

[Mirek]

15 minute video from development and launch of Fabia R5. In Czech so perhaps someone can tell us whether anything interesting or new was said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfDTRQIMbw

Not many points which have not been mentioned here. But something...

It's really difficult to follow the cost rules and the mandatory use of some stock parts while keeping reliability and performance.
They are optimistic about the performance and reliability and also a about the potential for further development.
Main focus is in privateer programs. They want to start it full-scale right from the beginning not like with the S2000 where it took some time to establish everything.
First APRC appearance of R5 shall be only in Rally China.

[RS]

Thanks Mirek.

I suppose they are more prepared for running a customer programme nowadays as it's not something they really did before Fabia S2000.

[liposh]

Not many points which have not been mentioned here. But something...

Moreover: -not even one mention about ERC
-Mr. Krutsky, the reporter said Skoda will drive all remaining rounds of WRC2 while Mr. Hrabanek said: "We will drive selected rounds of WRC2, Portugal, Sardinia, Poland, Finland, etc. etc. and we will end our programme in Wales."

BTW. That point about APRC is really interesting. Skoda "lent" MRF team one of best European drivers, but they are not interested to show the new Fabia R5 before Rally China, where is their strategical market. Mr. Hrabanek said it is because of logistics, but it is all about importance. Hmm, apparently the cooperation between Skoda and MRF is not so tight and it is just about the business. It makes me think whether MRF team also pays Skoda for using Tidemand :-D

[Micke_VOC]

Tidemand are testing Skoda R5 in Portugal today. ( Also tested yesterday)

[Mirek]

Moreover: -not even one mention about ERC

For me WRC2 decision is clearly about giving Lappi an experience from WRC rounds. It's for sure a joint decision together with VW Motorsport.

-Mr. Krutsky, the reporter said Skoda will drive all remaining rounds of WRC2 while Mr. Hrabanek said: "We will drive selected rounds of WRC2, Portugal, Sardinia, Poland, Finland, etc. etc. and we will end our programme in Wales."

I bet it's going to be 8 events. All for Lappi and I guess 4 for each Tidemand and Kopecký.

[RICARDO75]

Kremer is testing new Skoda for Rally of Portugal

[RS]

It would make sense if Skoda would do all remaining WRC rounds after Portugal, except Australia.

Frankly, they don't need the R5 for APRC.. 'there is life left in the old dog yet'

I suppose Lappi will move into the VW2 team with the Polo in 2016 if he has a respectable year and Tidemand will do full WRC2 next year.

[RS]

Kremer is testing new Skoda for Rally of Portugal

So 3 x Fabia R5 already from Portugal?

[Mirek]

I count four

[RICARDO75]

Yes, four. Kremer, Meireles, Lappi and second oficial Fabia for Tidemand, I believe