The celebrations marking 125 years of Škoda Motorsport are in full swing. The racing division is celebrating above all with those who are there at every rally, every season, sharing both the successes and disappointments of the car manufacturer. The fans. And it was precisely for them that Škoda Motorsport arranged exclusive behind-the-scenes rally experiences at selected events.
Without fans, rallying would not be rallying. This is confirmed by Czech rally driver Dominik Stříteský: “The support of the fans is always important. They are the ones who create the atmosphere around the special stages and service parks. It is something incredible. They deserve a huge thank you for that, and we are grateful to have them with us,” says the driver of the Fabia RS Rally2, who is currently experiencing a season full of emotions and twists of fortune himself.
As a gesture of appreciation to the fans, Škoda Motorsport organised exclusive behind-the-scenes visits at selected events where the Fabia RS Rally2 and its drivers could be seen in action. Fans had the opportunity to get close to areas that are normally inaccessible to the public, speak with both drivers and team representatives resulting in a purely joyous and truly memorable experience.
“When someone from the public gets the chance to experience the atmosphere directly within the teams and learn more detailed information, it is fantastic,” says Pavel, a rally fan who was invited by Škoda Motorsport behind the scenes at Rally Bohemia, a round of the Czech Rally Championship. The close proximity to the rally cars and the opportunity to see the event “from the other side” put a smile on his face that lasted a very long time.
The fans of Robert Virves were equally amazed and delighted when they were given the opportunity to visit the service park during Rally Estonia, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship. There they met not only their idol, but also his Toksport WRT teammate Emil Lindholm and other members of the team.
Two more fans had the opportunity to meet the team’s star drivers during Rally Portugal, another event on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. Maria, a nurse, and Rafael, an aerospace engineer, were given access not only to the Toksport WRT team facilities but also to the dedicated Škoda Motorsport service truck. They also had the chance to speak with Michal Hrabánek, Head of Škoda Motorsport. “Their questions pleasantly surprised me. These are fans who truly live and breathe rallying,” he said, commenting on their passion.
Opportunities such as these demonstrate how much Škoda Motorsport values its fans. It is a way of thanking the people who devote their hearts to motor sport. The people who have been cheering for Škoda rally cars, not only around the special stages, for one hundred and twenty-five years.
