Škoda Motorsport has suspended the build of any more Fabia Rally2 evos and will not be accepting any new orders due to supply-chain issues associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Fabia has been one of the most successful cars in its class since debuting in R5 form in 2014, winning well over 1000 rallies in either R5- or updated Rally2 evo-specification.
While Škoda Motorsport is not currently officially represented in competition it is continuing to build cars for the RC2 class – developing an all-new Fabia for 2022 – and supports the Toksport team that has run Andreas Mikkelsen to both the WRC2 and European Rally Championship titles this season.
But any customers hoping to get their hands on a Fabia Rally2 evo will not be able to for the foreseeable future.
The current problems being experienced by the global automotive industry also affecting the motorsport segment
In a letter addressed to “customers, partners and friends”, signed by Škoda Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek and customer program head David Jareš, Škoda said it is “experiencing some difficulties which are preventing us satisfying the demand for our Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo production”.
“The current problems being experienced by the global automotive industry and its supply chains as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are unfortunately also affecting the motorsport segment.
“Despite our best efforts, the shortage of production parts is making production increasingly difficult and, in some cases, impossible to build new cars.
“These difficulties are also affecting the worldwide sale and distribution of spare parts for our rally cars, as more than 400 units have been already delivered to our customers.
“In order to ensure we can provide the appropriate care for our existing customers, we have been forced to take the difficult decision to suspend the manufacturing of new cars. Also, with immediate effect we sadly cannot accept any further orders for any new race cars.”
Škoda added that it wished to “assure” customers that the situation will be continually reviewed and if an order has already been placed, it would be in contact shortly “to agree the next action”.
“We really appreciate your understanding and apologize for the inconvenience,” the letter added.
While Škoda has become the first manufacturer to outright cease production of any new rally cars, it is not the first to experience troubles linked to supply shortages.
Back in August after the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 had been homologated, Andrea Adamo said Hyundai was struggling to meet order deadlines due to a worldwide shortage of aluminum, steel, semiconductors and electronics.
