Skoda Motorsport scheduled a gravel test for the new Fabia RS Rally2 car with the view of trying some things and of checking the reliability.
More specifically, the test was held in Loutraki and Corinthia region and laste four days. Kris Meeke and Emil Lindholm had the chance to test this car on gravel for two days each. The mechanics of the Czech brand were able to check how the engine and the air flow are working on such extreme conditions as the roads were similar to the stages of Acropolis Rally.
The new Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 was about to make its debut with Andreas Mikkelsen in WRC2 class at Rally Finland, but its maiden appearance was postponed due to supply issues. Eventually, the Norwegian driver got behind the wheel of this new car at Lausitz-Rallye earlier this month where he won it.
"Our task is to keep pushing to always have the best package for our customers", Chief Engineer Eric Mommey said.
"The combination of challenging surfaces and high temperatures are extremely demanding for a rally car.
"In Greece you need a durable and reliable car more than anywhere else.
"The Greek gravel stages are notorious for being extremely demanding for every rally car.
"The high temperatures during summer are critical for the cooling of the engine, of the transmission and also of the cockpit.
"Due to the relatively slow speeds, most of the time averaging around 80 kph, it’s essential to create the perfect air flow to cool down all systems.
"And finally, the rough surface asks for a very reliable and strong car.
"With development tests like the recent one in Greece we make sure, that the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 survives even the toughest conditions.
"In general, setting up a rally car is always about finding the best compromise.
"For example on rough gravel stages like in Greece, we need to find the perfect balance between speed, reliability, a good suspension package for the rough parts and the correct differential settings for low speed to limit the tyre wear.
"The Skoda Fabia Rally2 and the Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo won many gravel rallies.
"Thanks to the experience and data we collected with these two models since 2015, the new Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 also is a very strong car".
Photo Credits: Skoda
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