|Motorsport
Škoda has a proud and storied history in motorsport, marked by numerous successes and iconic vehicles, the stand-out examples being the Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo and Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 – the most successful models from the Škoda brand to date. These two models join a lengthy line of legendary machines, ranging from motorcycles to cars such as the Škoda 130 RS and Octavia WRC.
The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 is a rally car that, based on the fourth generation of Škoda’s smallest production model, builds on the success of its predecessor. The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 draws on the strengths of the production Fabia, including the refined aerodynamics and the high body stiffness, while adding distinctive racing features such as a roll cage, widened body, rear wing, and roof ventilation. Adjustments have also been made to the engine, gearbox, and chassis – all tailored to the tough demands of rally racing and the expertise of Škoda Motorsport.
The Fabia RS Rally2’s 1.6-litre engine is based on the 2.0 TSI engine from the EA888 family of petrol TSI engines, which can also be found under the bonnet of RS production models. It packs some 214 kW (289 PS) of power and 430 Nm of maximum torque to all four wheels via a sequential five-speed gearbox and two differentials. Like all WRC cars, the Fabia RS Rally2 is powered by renewable petrol.
The 2024 World Rally Championship featured 13 events, with new and demanding sandy rallies in Poland and Latvia to test not drivers’ skills and their vehicles’ capabilities. Of the top ten competitors in WRC2, six drivers used Škoda vehicles. Leading the way was Sweden’s Oliver Solberg from the Toksport WRT team, with British co-driver Elliott Edmondson. The pair chalked up 123 points, enough to give them second place overall in the championship. The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 clinched four WRC2 victories during the 2024 World Rally Championship season, three of which were won by Solberg (Sweden, Latvia, Finland). Oliver also received an award for the highest number of stage wins in the season.
Kajetan Kajetanowicz of the Polish RaceSeven team finished fifth in the overall WRC2 standings, followed by TGS Worldwide’s Finnish driver Lauri Joona. The English driver Gus Greensmith, after claiming WRC2 victory at the Safari Rally in Kenya, ended the season in seventh place. Meanwhile, Armin Kremer secured the WRC Masters Cup title.
The FIA World Rally Championship calendar for 2025 makes 14 stops around the world. The 2025 season begins with the Rallye Monte-Carlo from 23 to 26 January. Next season promises a thrilling mix of snow-covered courses in Sweden, challenging gravel roads and unpredictable weather in Africa, soft sandy stages in Portugal, and Sardinia’s tricky gravel trails.
Drivers will also be facing tough conditions in Paraguay, the Canary Islands, and Saudi Arabia – which will serve as the season finale and the showstopper of the series.
