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Caloundra, 20 June 2014 – Jan Kopecký is in Australia for the first time, but the land down under has already earned itself a place in his heart. "The people here are extremely friendly and the scenery is simply breath-taking," said the thrilled Czech driver. As European Champion, he is the perfect ambassador for ŠKODA at the other end of the world – and his outing at the "International Rally of Queensland" on Saturday and Sunday is set to give the brand an extra boost on the Australian market. The second top crew in the Fabia Super 2000 are defending champions Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (IND/NZ).

"The two wins for ŠKODA in the APRC class at the rally in Australia in recent years created a lot of positive headlines and really helped the brand," said Pavel Hortek, Team Principal of ŠKODA MRF.

Obviously keen to make the most of any spare time, Kopecký and his Czech co-driver Pavel Dresler went on a discovery tour in beautiful Queensland – over 14,000 kilometres from Mladá Boleslav. The tour included a trip to an animal park, where the duo saw kangaroos and other exotic animals, such as koalas and wombats. The two top drivers also admired the coast from the water on a sea kayak tour. "They were nice trips in the middle of the stressful rally schedule," said a delighted Kopecký. "However, we are not here on holiday."

With their minds focussed on the third round of the season in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), he and his co-driver undertook an tough fitness regime during their first few days in Australia. In comfortable temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees – it is currently winter in Australia – he and Pavel Dresler jogged an eight-kilometre route on the Sunshine Coast every day. "Every other runner greeted us with a friendly 'G'day'," said Kopecký, who was visibly impressed by the friendliness of the Australians.

Next up on Wednesday was a photo and TV session, during which the drivers posed for the cameras with their national flags and the boat on Caloundra beach. On Thursday, the European Champion and his co-driver Pavel Dresler switched into rally mode. After a win and a second place in the previous rounds, they have their sights on another good result for ŠKODA come the end of the weekend. That would be another good reason to take Australia to their hearts.

Did you know that ...

... ŠKODA has been active on the Australian market since 2007? The first model for sale Down Under was the Octavia. Nowadays, the Octavia, Octavia Combi, Fabia, Fabia Combi, Superb, Superb Combi, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback are available.

... well-equipped models with powerful engines are most popular Down Under? For example, 40 per cent of the Octavias sold are RS models.

... ŠKODA sold 3,555 cars in Australia last year?

... the origins of the International Rally of Queensland date back to 1968? It was then that the rally's predecessor, the Rally Queensland, was held for the first time. The race has also formed part of the Australian Rally Championship since then, making it the longest-standing event in the championship.

... ŠKODA went on to win the title in the APRC after both successes at the iconic rally in Australia? Chris Atkinson triumphed in 2012, with Gaurav Gill crowned rally king of the Asia-Pacific region in 2013.

... Australia is the sixth largest country on earth, with an area of around 7.7 million km²? The coastline itself is 35,876 kilometres long.

... the Australian Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, is the largest reef in the world? It is 2,300 kilometres long and the largest living structure on the planet.

The number for the International Rally of Queensland: 20

At last year's International Rally of Queensland, the two ŠKODA drivers clocked the fastest time by an APRC river on all 20 special stages. Esapekka Lappi was the quickest man on 13 stages and went on to win the APRC class at the rally. Gaurav Gill, who was to be crowned APRC Champion, notched up seven stage wins.

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), overall standings manufacturers' championship after 2 of 6 events:

1. ŠKODA, 75 points; 2. Proton, 36; 3. Mitsubishi, 32; 4. Renault, 25; 5. Subaru, 13

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), overall standings drivers' championship after 2 of 6 events:

1. Gaurav Gill, 66 points; 1. Jan Kopecký, 66; 3. Michael Young 36, 4. Mark Pedder, 32; 5. Tom Wilde 25

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