Kopecky wary of Zlin superspecial threat

23rd August 2010

By Charlie Contadeli

Jan Kopecky has vowed to treat Barum Czech Rally Zlin’s opening superspecial stage with the utmost respect.

Kopecky is the favourite to win the all-asphalt Intercontinental Rally Challenge event for the second time this week but admits it’s easy to get caught out on the 9.36-kilometre test, which will run under the cover of darkness on August 27.

“The stage is very nice for the spectators but you have to be concentrated like hell,” said the works Skoda Motorsport driver. “There are some fast sections with concrete walls everywhere. It’s easy to make a mistake.”

Kris Meeke picked up a puncture on the stage last year at the point where the course crosses a railway line before fighting back to second. Upwards of 40,000 spectators are set to line the route with organisers attracting a 130-car capacity entry.