Skoda building new R5 Fabia, picks Lappi and Wiegand for 2014 ERC
Skoda has confirmed it is developing a new R5 version of its Fabia rally car, and says it will be ready to compete by mid-2015
The Czech firm also announced Esapekka Lappi and Sepp Wiegand as its 2014 European Rally championship drivers, with reigning champion Jan Kopecky set to focus on R5 development work.
While the R5 evolution of Skoda's vastly successful S2000 car has been widely known about for some time, Thursday's announcement provided official confirmation.
Skoda motorsport director Michal Hrabanek said: "The R5 category succeeds the previous Super 2000 class. This way, we are able to continue to compete successfully in international championships and to push ahead with our customer programme. Entering the R5 class is a logical step for Skoda.
"As it stands, we are assuming that the new car will be homologated by mid-2015."
Long-time factory Skoda driver Kopecky is expected to shoulder the burden of the R5 development programme while also contesting the 2014 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.
Finn Lappi, who contested the APRC with Skoda this year, will be joined in a two-car ERC attack by German driver Wiegand next season.
M-Sport remains the only team to have delivered an R5 car so far, with the Ford Fiesta competing since July 1.
Peugeot and Citroen are expected to have a 208 T16 and DS3 R5 ready for March 1 next season.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
F1 Chinese GP sprint race and qualifying - Start time, how to watch & more
WRC Croatia: Neuville sets the pace to lead title rival Evans
FIA still chasing answers over bizarre Shanghai F1 grass fires
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Ireland deserves a WRC round
Kubica's rally to recovery
Why Kubica can win on ERC debut
Rallying's new era keeps the best of the old
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments