The Czech automakers have been a dominant force in both the European Rally Championship (ERC) and Asia-pacific Rally Championship (APRC). They’ve been asserting this dominance through their factory teams and through associations such as the one they have with team MRF for the APRC, and all these teams have been driving Fabia based Super 2000s a.k.a S2000.
Now with the new 2015 Škoda Fabia making its début over a month ago, Škoda have used the same platform to develop a brand new rally car at the Essen Motor Show, Germany – the Fabia R 5. According to Škoda Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek the R 5 won’t remain a concept for too long either. “The world premiere of the Fabia R 5 Concept Car gives an insight into the future of rallying at Škoda, the Fabia R 5 is scheduled to be homologated by mid-2015.”
As per FIA rules and regulations, the R5 is powered by 1.6-litre turbo engine. It also features a sequential, five-speed gearbox and MacPherson struts. It will weigh a minimum of 1230 kilograms as per regulations as well. The Czech firm also roped in their rally drivers to provide inputs in the development of this car, and will be really hoping that the R 5 can bring home even more titles than the S2000 already has.
So don’t be surprised if the likes of Esapekka Lappi, Jan Kopecký, Sepp Wiegand, and India’s very own Gaurav Gill are seen behind the wheel of this Fabia R 5 for the upcoming 2015 Rally season.
Story: Harket Suchde
