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Hrabánek has overseen ŠKODA’s recent run of success in the Eurosport Events-promoted Intercontinental Rally Challenge. He said: “We at ŠKODA think it is a logical step in the progress of rallying because it will have a positive influence on the sport and is a positive step forward.”
In terms of ŠKODA’s plans for 2013, Hrabánek said discussions were underway. “We have to wait for the calendar but ŠKODA has a strong position in Europe which the whole company would definitely like to increase for the future. In terms of the coming year we are still in discussions so we kindly ask for patience.”
ŠKODA won the IRC drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2010 and 2011. It’s on top of the standings of both with two rounds of the 2012 season remaining. Meanwhile, factory driver Juho Hänninen clinched the ERC drivers’ crown this season in a Fabia S2000, while team-mate Jan Kopecký captured the Czech national title after winning five events out of five.
Mikkelsen Andreas
168 pt.
Kopecký Jan
101 pt.
Hänninen Juho
93 pt.
Wiegand Sepp
73 pt.
Consani Robert
97 pt.
Arai Toshi
86 pt.
Aigner Andreas
83 pt.
Tempestini Marco
63 pt.
Hunt Harry
126 pt.
Consani Robert
87 pt.
Kangur Martin
51 pt.
Campedelli Simone
50 pt.
Breen Craig