Former FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) title winner Jan Kopecký cemented his legendary status at home soil by clinching a record-breaking 12th career win at Barum Czech Rally Zlín, round six of the 2025 ERC season.

Driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 alongside co-driver Jiří Hovorka, the 2013 ERC champion held off a determined challenge from Jon Armstrong to seal victory by 10.7 seconds after 13 demanding asphalt stages. The triumph marks Kopecký’s 20th start at the rally and further confirms his reputation as “Mr. Barum.”

Kopecký Fights Off Armstrong to Delight Home Crowd

Kopecký seized control of the rally on Saturday morning by winning SS2, after early leader Andrea Mabellini stole the spotlight in Friday night’s super special. From then on, the Czech ace managed the pressure across two days of fierce battles.

Despite challenges from Simon Wagner and Mabellini on Saturday, Kopecký defended his narrow advantage. Wagner looked set to threaten for the lead before suffering a tyre deflation and half spin in SS7, dropping him down the order.

That opened the door for Jon Armstrong (M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2), who vaulted into second place with stage wins through Bunč. Armstrong closed the gap to just 6.3s on Sunday morning, but Kopecký responded emphatically in front of his home fans, extending his lead over the final five stages.

Podium Fight: Mabellini Boosts Title Bid

Italian contender Andrea Mabellini impressed once again, claiming third place and securing crucial championship points with a Power Stage win. His Škoda Fabia RS finish reduced the gap to ERC standings leader Miko Marczyk to just 11 points.

Mabellini praised the level of competition, saying: “It is incredible. It seems like it is a dream to be in here fighting with Mr. Barum. We must be proud of everything we have done.”

Armstrong, meanwhile, equalled his best ERC finish and collected a second podium of the season, boosting his own championship aspirations.

Drama for Wagner, Marczyk and Local Challengers

Wagner, despite strong pace in his Hyundai i20N Rally2, could only manage fourth after Saturday’s tyre woes. Czech driver Erik Cais posted two fastest stage times but tyre damage cost him a podium shot, leaving him fifth overall.

Filip Mareš battled gearbox issues on Sunday to secure sixth in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, while ERC leader Miko Marczyk endured a frustrating weekend, finishing seventh with inconsistent pace but salvaging Power Stage points.

Local favourite Adam Březík finished eighth, with Jakub Matulka and Mille Johansson completing the top 10.

Notably, defending winner Dominik Stříteský retired early after wheel damage on SS3, while Miklós Csomós and Simone Tempestini also exited with mechanical failures.

ERC Support Classes: Carlberg Crowned Junior Champion

Beyond the main event, Martin Vlček claimed Master ERC honours, while Hubert Kowalczyk took ERC3 victory. The Junior ERC crown went to Calle Carlberg, despite suffering a driveshaft failure, with rally debutant Craig Rahill taking a sensational category win in a Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.

Final Classification – Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2025

1. Jan Kopecký / Jiří Hovorka (CZE) – Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 – 2h 49.3s
2. Jon Armstrong / Shane Byrne (IRE) – Ford Fiesta MkII Rally2 – +10.7s
3. Andrea Mabellini / Virginia Lenzi (ITA) – Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 – +13.8s
4. Simon Wagner / Hannah Ostlender (AUT/GER) – Hyundai i20N Rally2 – +30.3s
5. Erik Cais / Daniel Trunkát (CZE) – Hyundai i20N Rally2 – +59.3s
6. Filip Mareš / Radovan Bucha (CZE) – Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – +1m 04.1s

Looking Ahead: Wales Awaits

The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship now heads to the UK for ERC JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion (5–7 September), the penultimate round of the season. With Kopecký celebrating a famous home win, Mabellini closing in on Marczyk, and Armstrong gaining momentum, the title race is wide open heading into Wales.