Jan Kopecký secured a remarkable 12th victory at the FIA ERC Barum Czech Rally Zlín round held over the weekend, reinforcing his reputation as the dominant force at this event. The rally, which formed the sixth round of the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship, showcased a thrilling battle primarily on the tricky asphalt roads of Zlín, featuring a mix of intense competition and challenging conditions.
Dominance of Jan Kopecký
Kopecký, driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, demonstrated masterful control and experience on Zlín’s demanding stages. The 43-year-old Czech driver, who is also a ten-time Czech national champion, set the pace early and maintained pressure throughout the event. Despite stiff competition from young challengers, Kopecký held a narrow lead going into the final day and managed to fend off all attacks. His cumulative experience and skill were evident in his precision and calculated pace, particularly over the weekend’s three-day duration in stifling heat.
Intense Battle with Jon Armstrong and Andrea Mabellini
One of the defining narratives was the close contest between Kopecký and British driver Jon Armstrong, who piloted a Pirelli-shod Ford Fiesta Rally2 for M-Sport Ford World Rally Team. Armstrong found the stages well-suited to his driving style and car setup, winning multiple stages and pushing the veteran at the front. Armstrong finished second, 6.5 seconds behind Kopecký. Italian Andrea Mabellini also made a strong impression by holding third position, though he eventually finished 13 seconds behind.
The competition between these three front-runners provided a gripping race of attrition and tactical driving, with changes in positions during stages, including errors and tyre damage impacting outcomes.
Challenging Conditions and Drama
The Barum Rally’s mix of asphalt surfaces complicated by occasional gravel sections proved unforgiving. Simon Wagner, who was in contention early on, suffered a front-left tyre damage on a rough gravel section which destabilised his run and dropped him from potential podium places to fourth. Similarly, local hero Erik Cais experienced tyre issues, which took him out of contention for top positions and relegated him to sixth place.
Dominik Stříteský, the defending event winner, was another victim of the rally’s difficulties. After running in fourth, an overshoot at a chicane damaged three of his tyres, forcing an early retirement. He was allowed to rejoin the rally on Sunday but was out of the running for a strong finish.
Tyre management and avoiding damage were key factors throughout the event, with several competitors forced to take cautious approaches to preserve their chances.
Mechanical Woes and Retirements
There were several notable retirements due to mechanical failures and accidents. Miklós Csomós was forced out early after hitting trees and losing a wheel. Simone Tempestini retired on the same stage due to a suspension failure. British driver Chris Ingram, returning after a nine-month break, faced multiple setbacks including a tyre change, steering issues, and eventually tyre deflations that hampered his pace.
Philip Allen also succumbed to damage sustained when off-road during SS6, with roll cage damage ending his rally despite finishing the stage.
Competition Classes and Other Highlights
Aside from the overall positions, the rally featured intense competition in the support classes:
Martin Vlček led the Master ERC class by over two and a half minutes.
Hubert Kowalczyk was leading ERC3, extending his advantage until the unfortunate crash of Adrian Rzeźnik.
Junior ERC saw Ireland’s Craig Rahill rise to lead in his rally debut with a Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF, capitalizing on a driveshaft failure suffered by Calle Carlberg.
What the Rally Showcased
The 2025 edition of the Barum Czech Rally Zlín once again confirmed its status as a pivotal round that demands a blend of speed, resilience, and tactical acumen. Kopecký’s victory underlines his mastery on these roads and his ability to combine experience with competitive spirit effectively. Young talents such as Armstrong and Mabellini pushed hard, signalling the depth of emerging competition in the ERC.
The rally also highlighted the challenges of tyre management, stage conditions ranging from asphalt to gravel patches, and the relentless pressure of an ERC season where every second counts.
Championship Implications
Jan Kopecký’s triumph at Zlín not only bolsters his personal tally but also significantly tightens the battle at the top of the FIA European Rally Championship leaderboard. By claiming maximum points on home soil, he has reinforced his position as a serious contender for the season title, exerting psychological pressure on his rivals.
Meanwhile, Jon Armstrong’s second-place finish consolidates his credentials as a championship threat, closing the points gap and demonstrating consistent pace across multiple events. Andrea Mabellini’s podium result keeps him within striking distance, maintaining an engaging three-way challenge as the championship approaches its concluding rounds.
The misfortunes suffered by other championship hopefuls—whether through mechanical failure or incidents—make these remaining rounds all the more unpredictable. Competitors will now have to balance aggression with caution, knowing that every point lost or gained could prove decisive in the final reckoning.
In sum, the Barum Rally has intensified the championship contest, underscoring the need for precision driving, strategic tyre choices, and measured risk-taking across the remaining rounds. With Kopecký leading but closely pursued, the ERC title race remains wide open, setting the stage for a gripping finale to the 2025 season.
