The expected battle between Jan Kopecký / Jan Hlousek (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) and Andreas Mikkelsen / Jonas Andresson (Skoda Fabia Rally2) started from the first speed stage.
However, Vaclav Pech / Petr Uhel (Ford Focus WRC) came as a surprise, coming out on top after the second speed stage. Kopecky managed to gain an 8-second lead over Mikkelsen before the first service park of the day. A small mistake by Vaclav Pech in the fifth stage sent them to 3rd place, and the differences remained extremely small.
Before the second service park on Saturday, the crew of Erik Cais / J. Zakova (Czech Republic) (Ford Fiesta R5 MKII) managed to reach the second place only 0.8 seconds after Jan Kopecký / Jan Hlousek.
Andreas Mikkelsen / Jonas Andresson finished third in 6.9 seconds. The Austrian Simon Wagner / Geralnd Winter (Skoda Fabia Rally 2) are fourth but already with a serious difference of 39.9 seconds.
At the end of the day, however, Erik Cais / J. Zakova (Czech Republic) (Ford Fiesta R5 MKII) took the lead with a time of 1: 13: 41.0. Jan Kopecký / Jan Hlousek (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) are second in just 2.1 seconds. Third are Andreas Mikkelsen / Jonas Andresson (Skoda Fabia Rally2) in 16.6 seconds.
In some places along the routes there is mud thrown away and it is wet on some bends. The notes for today's sections are extremely important. As Kopecky requests you have to take risks for the best time.
Extremely happy was the driver after today Erik Cais, who thanked his father for his support.
Fortunately, today the weather was better than expected with mostly dry routes.
On Sunday Barum Czech Rally Zlin 2021 continues with 6 new sections.