SKODA’S OFF TO A GOOD START in 2012 with its factory motorsport cars taking the top two spots in the recent Jänner Rally in Austria, in January.

First was Car #3 steered by Kopecký/Dresler in a Škoda Fabia S2000 and second was Car #1 piloted by Hänninen/Markkula in a Škoda Fabia S2000 as well. With a Skoda also in fourth place and no Skodas on the retired list by race end, it seems the 2012 car has the reliability and the ‘OMG!’ looks to keep fans happy.

In the surroundings of the Austrian town of Freistadt, the opening event of the new season was part of the European Championship for the first time in its history. In addition to being part of the Austrian Championship as usual, the Jänner Rally is again part of the Czech Championship after a three-year break.

While the priority is to repeat ŠKODA’s 2011 victory in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), the team will also compete in selected events of the European and Czech championships.

Typically, the Jänner Rally offers variable road conditions, often including snow. The programme included 18 special stages (240 competitive kilometres) and over 600 kilometres of road section. The start list included nine times Austrian Champion Raimund Baumschlager in a private Fabia Super 2000.