Škoda’s motorsport director Michal Hrabánek has told DirtFish that the Czech manufacturer is not currently pursuing a spaceframe-based rally car that would adhere to the upcoming Rally1 WRC27 regulations, instead focusing on continuing to upgrade its Rally2 challenger.
Though 10 ‘tuners’ have expressed interest in the new regulations, according to FIA deputy president Malcolm Wilson, hopes that Škoda would consider building a new car to the upcoming WRC27 regs have been quashed by Hrabánek.
When asked by DirtFish if Škoda was considering building a spaceframe-based rally car, Hrabánek replied: “At this moment we count for the next few seasons to stay in this Rally2 category.
“We will try to tune or to improve our Fabia RS Rally2. We are now starting the first year after the homologation; we brought some significant improvement last year with Packet 25 [upgrade], and we have never stopped the development.
“That’s why I think also during this year we will be able to improve the car and try to be competitive, because the competition is tough. And I suppose all the Rally2 cars are on a very, very similar level, which is interesting because finally the crew or the driver is crucial for the good performance, for the perfect result.”
Where Rally2 cars will stack up competitively compared to the next generation of spaceframe rally cars remains unclear: most of the mechanical components across both cars will be similar. But Hrabánek wouldn’t be drawn on the idea that by staying in Rally2, Škoda might end up fighting for overall wins.
“It’s an interesting question because nobody [will have] experience with WRC27 car and for me, it’s not easy to estimate what will be the balance of performance between both cars,” said Hrabánek.
“Of course, the powertrain, the engine and transmission, should be the same, but there will be some differences in the whole design of the car, also in the suspension. That’s why it’s difficult to say what concept is better or more competitive.”
Škoda achieved a WRC2 podium with Roberto Daprà’s Delta Rally-run Fabia at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally, while a total of 14 Škodas will be present at Rally Sweden. Three works-supported drivers contested events for Toksport WRT last season: Robert Virves, Emil Lindholm and Nikolay Gryazin, the last of whom has switched to Lancia’s new factory-backed effort.
Hrabánek told DirtFish that “in principle there will be no change compared to the last season” for its 2026 plans.
