New look ŠKODA line-up sweeps into Monte Carlo

The only familiar name lining up in a FABIA R5 is ŠKODA Motorsport stalwart Jan Kopecký. The Czech driver, who will again be supported by co-driver Pavel Dresler, will be the only FABIA R5 driver registered for WRC2 points at the Rallye Monte Carlo 2018. This will be his seventh drive at this event and he finished second in WRC2 category last year behind his teammate Andreas Mikkelsen. On Sunday, January 28, will be the final day of the rally as well as his 36th birthday, so perhaps he can make it one to remember with his first win at this most iconic of rallies?

There will be two more ŠKODA Motorsport works drivers taking part, but not entered for WRC2 points, in Monte Carlo.

The 21-year-old Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby, ably supported by co-driver Stig Rune Skjærmoen, will be gaining experience in a Wevers Sport’s FABIA R5 ahead of his first start for ŠKODA Motorsport in 2018 season at the Rally Sweden in February. OC won this event in the WRC3 category in 2016 and his WRC2 victory at the Rally Poland capped a great 2017 seasons which earned him a works drive this year.

OC Veiby will be joined by 17-year-old Finnish rallying sensation Kalle Rovanperä, who is already a two-time Latvian Rally Champion and became the youngest ever WRC2 event winner at last year’s Rally Australia. He will be driving alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen in a TGS Worldwide FABIA R5 this time out.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 54-year-old Swiss driver Olivier Burri, who will be making his 20th start at the Rallye Monte Carlo this year and he will drive alongside co-driver Anderson Levratti. Burri has finished seventh overall here on three occasions and won his class twice, but this will be just his second competitive drive in a FABIA R5.

There will be three other FABIA R5s taking part, all driven by French drivers.