The hugely successful Skoda Fabia S2000 rally car is soon to be replaced by the all-new Fabia R5 that is scheduled to make its competition debut in 2015.
The new R5 will be looking to continue the legacy the S2000 model made in the Super 2000 rally class. To date, the S2000 is the most successful rally car Skoda has ever let loose in its 112-year motorsport history, racking up 27 IRC event victories - more than any other car - and three overall driver and manufacturer championships.
"Through the many international successes it has enjoyed, the current Fabia Super 2000 has been demonstrating our technical prowess for years," comments Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Skoda. "The challenge is now to follow on from this success. That is why we are working flat out to develop the new car for the R5 category."
Initial details look promising. Powering the R5 will be a new, FIA-approved, turbocharged 1.6-litre engine to replace the heavier naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit in the S2000. The R5 will also undergo an intense development programme throughout 2014 to ensure the car is up to the job in time for its debut event the following year.
"The R5 category succeeds the previous Super 2000 class," says Michal Hrabanek, Motorsport Director at Skoda. "This way, we are able to continue to compete successfully in international championships. As it stands, entering the R5 class is a logical step for Skoda."
Anything else?
In addition to the IRC and driver and manufacturer titles, the Fabia Super 2000 has also had series wins in the Super 2000 World Championship and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship; and taken victory in the 2013 European Rally Championship. Can the new model top that? Only time will tell...