Škoda has updated its Fabia R5 rally car this year with an improved 1.6 liter engine offering improvements in power output and engine response.
The rally car, which adopts key design elements of the 2019 Fabia road car, will be homologated by the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) by July 2019, will make its first public appearance at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.
The overall specifications, such as engine displacement and drivetrain configuration, will remain the same for this year’s car, although it will offer more power and an improved torque curve. It also features a new headlight design and performance and reliability improvements, said Škoda.
Michal Hrabánek, head of Škoda Motorsport, said, “The car features a new headlight design plus performance and reliability improvements. The next generation of our multiple championship winning Škoda Fabia R5 is an important step to keep the Škoda factory team competitive.
“Thoroughness in the development of a new rally car has absolute priority for Škoda Motorsport. We strictly follow the same processes of quality management and control as in Škoda’s road car production.”
In 2019, Škoda Motorsport is entering two cars into selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship. Finnish youngsters Kalle Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen will compete in the new WRC 2 Pro Championship. Reigning WRC 2 Champions Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler from Czech Republic will be seen on selected WRC events as well. They will also defend their title of Czech Rally Champions.
