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WRC 2 in Turkey: fifth win for Kopecký

Jan Kopecký gave his WRC 2 title hopes a massive boost after taking his fifth maximum points haul of the season at Rally Turkey on sunday.

The Skoda Motorsport driver had to fight hard to add to his victories in Monte Carlo, France, Italy and Germany as the punishing gravel stages took their toll on the crews, cars and tyres.

He twice lost the lead after suffering his own misfortune but it was third time lucky for the Czech driver as he regained his place at the head of the field on Saturday's final stage.

With only four tests to complete on Sunday, the WRC 2 points leader only had to steer clear of trouble to take a satisfying win. He completed the Marmaris-based rally with 1min 11.9sec in hand.

Kopecký's success means he now enjoys a 32-point championship lead over team-mate Pontus Tidemand with three WRC 2 events remaining.

The Swede retired on the first day after it was discovered his Fabia R5 had suffered irreparable suspension-related damage.

Kopecký admitted he was relieved to come through such a tricky event.

He said: "Honestly, I have mixed feelings because this rally was really crazy. I like the clean events where you can put your toe to metal all the time, but I am obviously happy to win this rally."

Simone Tempestini scored easily his best result of the season as he guided his Citroën C3 to second place. The Romanian looked out of contention when he lost four minutes changing a wheel on Friday, but his recovery was clean and impressive.

Chris Ingram twice led the category on his debut WRC event in an R5 car but he was also slowed by a puncture late on Saturday that allowed Kopecký through into the lead.

However, the Briton found enough speed to finish third overall. "It's been an unbelievable experience," he said. "It's my first WRC event in a four-wheel-drive car so to finish on the podium is incredible. The strategy paid off."

Early pace-setter Kajetan Kajetanowicz spent much of the event rueing power steering issues that put paid to his chances of staying in front. He brought his Fiesta to the finish in fourth place.

Pedro Heller finished fifth, enjoying an advantage of more than six minutes over Burak Cukurova who was the highest-placed Turkish driver on his home event.

Zdroj: wrc.com