Could ex-ERC champion Jan be the 23 man?

Kopecký, who won the FIA European Rally Championship in 2013, began his run of wins on Rally Bohemia in 2014 and is a firm favourite to remain unbeaten when Barum Czech Rally Zlín takes place from 24-26 August with the event counting for ERC and Czech championship points.

However, Kopecký, who is co-driven by fellow Czech Pavel Dresler, has played down the significance of his record despite acknowledging the considerable achievement.

“This number is really amazing and it will not be so easy for another driver to repeat this in the future,” he said. “But thanks also to ŠKODA because ŠKODA has really great cars, we have a trust in the car. We know it doesn’t break down and we know we can over big rocks or big bumps and it’s working well. It’s not only my work, it’s the team work.”