Season
Jan Železný gives the Škoda Fabia WRC a test drive 18.9.06
At the test circuit in Bělá pod Bezdězem, the Czech Rally Team Škoda-Kopecký, Škoda Auto and Shell prepared a presentation of the work of the Czech Rally Team Škoda-Kopecký for representatives of Shell's significant partners.
Shell is a global producer of fuel, oil and lubricants for ordinary motorists, and also offers top-class products for special racing vehicles. In Bělá pod Bezdězem, Shell's representatives and partners had the chance to see for themselves the benefits of Shell fuel in the Škoda Fabia WRC.
Several interesting competitions were held for event participants, and at the start of the day the competitors were given the opportunity to test their ability with Jan Kopecký in an official WRC simulator. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, but no matter how hard they tried none of them could match Jan Kopecký.
Filip Schovánek gave participants a theory lesson on the secrets of those mysterious markings used by crews in their track rundown; no one underestimated the value of this lesson in rally theory, as they all knew what awaited them in programme… Each participant was given their own notebook to detail the route rundown and sat down in a Škoda Octavia training vehicle next to Jan Kopecký. The rundown drawn up during the reconnaissance on the test circuit in Bělá pod Bezdězem was then used in a competitive run in a special Škoda Fabia WRC used by Jan Kopecký and Filip Schovánek in selected events in the World Rally Championship this year. An unforgettable experience for all the participants was the opportunity to act as navigator for Jan Kopecký in a WRC specification vehicle.
Another fantastic experience was the meeting with the triple Olympic gold medallist, the javelin thrower Jan Železný, who also had a test drive in the hot seat of a Škoda Fabia WRC.
'I use my car as a normal means of transport, but I love motor sports. Personally, I think this is much more interesting than Formula 1. I watch the highlights from the world events and I am particularly keen on the in-car shots.
Of course, I was really enthusiastic about having a ride in a Škoda Fabia WRC. What's more, the car was driven by Jan Kopecký, who is a superb driver. I would love to experience a longer section, but I'm hardly up to co-driver standard. I would trust Jan a hundred per cent, but I would be worried about making a mess of the co-driving,' added three-times Olympic champion Jan Železný after his drive.
The day in Bělá pod Bezdězem passed off to the full satisfaction of all those present and there were no complications. The Czech Rally Team Škoda-Kopecký thanks Škoda Auto and Shell for their support in presenting the team's work, and in particular for their support throughout this year's demanding season, as they have made financial contributions to the challenging programme to help the team participate in selected events of the World Rally Championship.
