Czech President Petr Pavel welcomed the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) to Prague on Sunday, just days before the Czech Republic co-hosts the Central European Rally.

WRC stars Adrien Fourmaux, Grégoire Munster and Sami Pajari joined local aces Filip Mareš (CZE), Jan Černy (CZE) and Philip Geipel (GER) for a head-turning street convoy through the capital to promote the cross-border asphalt event, which takes in stages across Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany.

“For any country to host an event that has an impact on the whole region, the whole world – it is not only an honour but an opportunity to be visible and viewed as a good host, but to also offer our own population the opportunity to enjoy a world-class event,” remarked President Pavel.

Spending time with the drivers, President Pavel enjoyed a tour of the rally cars and was left impressed by the advanced state of technology on show: “With this technology we can see how progress has been fast forwarded, driving civilian technology as well because most of what see here moves into civilian technology very quickly.

The drivers invited local media onboard to co-drive, guiding them past some of Prague’s most famous landmarks - including Charles Bridge, the Rudolfinum, Power Tower, Dancing House, Prague Castle and the National Theatre.

“It’s amazing to be able to bring the WRC to the centre of a city like Prague and to drive by the amazing sites like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle” commented Fourmaux, before adding, “and it was especially great to have President Pavel come out and really engage with us, asking a lot about the cars.”