NEW SKODA RALLY2 REVEALED

The brand-new Fabia RS Rally2 car has broken cover, the successor to the incredibly successful Fabia Rally2 which has been driven to WRC 2 titles by Andreas Mikkelsen and Kalle Rovanpera in recent years.

The new Fabia RS Rally2 is based on Skoda’s fourth-generation Fabia road car and benefits from a raft of upgrades.

The new cars 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produces 216kw (289bhp) and 430Nm torque through a five-speed sequential gearbox with drive to all four wheels.

The head of Skoda Motorsports Michal Hrabanek explained how this is an evolution rather than a revolution.

“Standing still means going backwards, and this is especially true in motorsport,” Hrabanek said.

“That’s why, in developing the new Fabia RS Rally2, we applied the experience we gained from the predecessor model and optimised every detail.”

“The aim was to improve the most successful rally car in the world. I’m proud of the entire Skoda Motorsport team who have pursued this goal with great dedication.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in Series Development; the fourth-generation Fabia provided us with a perfect basis for the Fabia RS Rally2.”

A large focus of the new car went into the body shell, not only is the new car safer, featuring 35.8 metres of steel tubing for the roll cage, it has been designed for better weight distribution.

The car will also run a brand-new aerodynamics package, as well as number of improvements have been made to its braking system.

The RS Fabia has longer suspension travel and enhanced electrical technology.

The car has already completed a comprehensive testing programme with former WRC rally winner and reigning WRC2 champion Mikkelsen helping with development.

“It has been a huge pleasure to take part in development and bring this car to life,” Mikkelsen said on social media. “Can’t wait to have it in my hands.”

The new machine is expected to hit the stages in the ‘near future.’

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