Kopecky: Preparation key

Kopecky, runner-up in the drivers' standings for the last two seasons and currently joint second after three rounds, resumes his title bid in the Ukraine this week.

The event is being included in the IRC for the first time this season and represents unchartered territory for the bulk of the crews.

Kopecky said: "In my opinion, good pacenotes and a good set-up of the car will be the key success factors in this unfamiliar rally.

"I believe that we will optimise the set-up together with Škoda Motorsport engineers to be ready to fight for the top positions."

Czech Kopecky has not won an event since his victory on Rally Islas Canarias in April last year. Juho Hanninen, the defending IRC champion, will partner Kopecky in the factory Skoda line-up in Yalta.