Skoda wins in Portugal

Skoda has won the WRC-2 category at the Portugal Rally. Its factory crew, Esapekka Lappi & Janne Ferm (FIN), celebrate their first FIA World Championship victory after leading the rally from to start to finish. Germany's Sepp Wiegand/Frank Christian came third
to wrap up a great weekend for Skoda and reinforce their position top of the WRC-2 standings.

"Congratulations to both Skoda crews on a great result in this long and difficult rally," said Michal Hrabanek, Head of Skoda Motorsport. "This event was a hard test also for the technology that has proven its high quality. Both drivers have shown their potential for future growth."

"I am so happy!," said Esapekka Lappi in the finish area. "Our Skoda Fabia Super 2000 did an excellent job. This is a great result for us, as well as for the whole team. We still have a lot to learn, but I think we put in a good performance here. We'd like to thank all the members of our team, they prepared the car perfectly."

Just like Finland's Lappi & Ferm, Wiegand & Christian made their first appearance in Portugal. After 386.73 km, the Skoda juniors came third. "Basically, all is well that ends well. Unfortunately, we made a mistake today that cost us second place," said Wiegand.

"We have increased our lead in the WRC-2 thanks to the points we have won for third place. Congratulations to our Finnish colleagues, Esapekka Lappi & Janne Ferm, they were clearly better here in Portugal!" After winning the Monte Carlo Rally and coming third in Sweden, Wiegand & Christian achieved their third podium result this year.

Posted in: Esapekka Lappi,FIA World Championship,FIN,Frank Christian,International,Janne Ferm,Michal Hrabanek,Motor Sports,Portugal,Sepp Wiegand,Skoda,Skoda Motorsport