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ERC - 2018 Post-Event Press Conference Transcript

27.08.18

FIA European Rally Championship 2018: Round 6 of 8, Barum Czech Rally Zlín, 24-26 August 
Zlaté Jablko, Zlín, 17h45, Sunday 26 August

Present:
Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Motorsport), first position
Alexey Lukyanuk/Alexey Arnautov (Russian Performance Motorsport), second position
Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio (Hyundai Motorsport), third position
 
Q: Tell us about your first Barum Czech Rally Zlín?
DS: Firstly, congratulations to the other drivers. They did a really good performance and it was nice. The rally was really tricky with difficult conditions on the stages but with a really nice atmosphere. I was happy to come here to see all the spectators and it was a good experience for me so thank you for all the support from everybody. Maybe we can see you in another year.
 
Q: And do you Carlos, how was the rally for you?
CDB: More or less the same. It was my second time here and, okay, we were very happy. With the stages we knew before were very demanding. It’s a very trick rally but in a very good atmosphere, challenging roads and for our first time here [together] to be on the podium is a very nice feeling. Congratulations to the other crews, to Kopecký and Lukyanuk, because they did a great race and congratulations to all the organisers and all the people, they did a great job.
 
Q: Turning to Alexey Lukyanuk, how was the rally?
AL: It was a really tough for us and, to be honest, I’m really happy it’s finished because it was a really hard rally. We were really on the limit all the time, okay it was more a safe rally today to ensure we get to the finish, but still the stages were really, really, really tricky with strong conditions of mud and everything. It was an amazing weekend after all and we scored lots of points for the championship. I am not so happy that we are second and not first but let’s keep something for the future.
 
Q: And to Alexey Arnautov?
AA: I am also happy to be here as it’s not our first time. Of course I knew that this rally is demanding but I never knew if it’s wet it will be twice as demanding. So it was really tough and I was really happy we were able to finish and we are here. I would like to say we are really happy with the organization and the hospitality of the Czech fans. There were a lot of fans on the stages, despite the rain, despite the rain and all the bad conditions. We were really happy to see everybody in the square and on the stages. It was really fantastic guys.
 
Q: Some words from you please Jan?
JK: Thanks to the spectators because they made an amazing atmosphere on this rally, especially when we had lost a lot of time after we got the punctures. We had full support from everywhere, even from small villages so it was really great and thanks to them.
 
Q: And finally Pavel Dresler?
PD: It was one of the most difficult rallies I ever did but respect to the fans because they came in these tough conditions and supported us all weekend, thank you to all.
 
Questions by Roman Ordelt, event press officer. Additional questions to Jan Kopecký below.
 
Q: How much does that victory mean to you?
JK: It means a lot, especially after the problems with the punctures, it was unbelievable, like a nightmare.
 
Q: Did you believe you could catch Alexey when you woke up this morning?
JK: This morning, yes. After yesterday when we showed some good performance on the long stage I was really believing. And, as I said, we got huge support from the fans. It was really important.
 
Q: What did you think of Dani Sordo’s performance?
JK: It was really good because for him it was his first experience of this rally. I have done this rally and if I remember all good drivers when they are here for the first time, they were much worse than Dani. In these conditions he did a really amazing job.
 
Q: At the finish of the final stage you said on ERC Radio that you currently have no contract for next year and this year could be your last time on this rally?
JK: Yeah, it’s like that. I don’t know what is going to be for next season. If I get some nice programme then I will continue, if not then I will stop. It’s like that, I am doing this sport for quite some time. We will see but I believe we will find something.