Skoda Fabia R 5: Rally Car Development On Schedule

The development of the Skoda Fabia R 5 rally car is on schedule, according to Michal Hrabánek, Skoda Motorsport Director.

Jan Kopecký, the Asia-Pacific champion said, "We tested the new Fabia R 5 on asphalt and recently on gravel. The new car feels very good on all the surfaces. We are definitely on the right track."

"I think the Fabia R 5 will continue the success story of ŠKODA in motorsport," added a very happy Kopecký.

The tests with the Fabia R 5 will continue throughout Europe in the next weeks. Veteran rally driver Freddy Loix and Austria's multiple champion Raimund Baumschlager are also among the team of drivers giving important input throughout the development of the new car.

The new racing car will be equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, in accordance with FIA regulations. This is a big change compared to the two-litre, petrol induction engine in the Fabia Super 2000.

The new car is also fitted with a five-speed sequential gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight will be at least 1,230 kilograms, as stipulated by the FIA regulations.

Hrabánek said, "We want to have the new Fabia R 5 approved by mid-2015 and are right on schedule to achieve this."