A look back at the 2023 edition of Le Mans Classic on the presence of Škoda

• Škoda participated in the 2023 edition of Le Mans Classic on the track and in the Village

• Popular success with more than 230,000 spectators present from June 29 to July 2

• Looking back with Škoda icons of yesterday and today

Škoda actively participated in the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the famous Le Mans race with a presence on the track as well as in the village. The Škoda Sport from 1950 was entered on Plateau 2 and, at the same time, the Czech manufacturer exhibited several models that marked its more than 125 years of history. It was an opportunity for the Czech manufacturer to present to the public who came in large numbers, with a new attendance record, some historic models with confidential distribution and two models from its current RS range.

“We are very proud to have contributed to this event through our presence on the track and in the village for the 230,000 spectators gathered around the passion for automobiles at Le Mans. Beyond our legitimacy linked to our numerous successes in motorsport, we are one of the oldest manufacturers in the world. We have always been able to innovate and take technological turns to adapt to our times, yesterday with the fabulous models presented at Le Mans as well as today with the magnificent Octavia on display. We are resolutely confident for tomorrow and the comments generated this weekend by our sublime Enyaq Coupé reassure us. »

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Dorothée Bonassies, Director Škoda France

On the track with the Škoda Sport from 1950

The Škoda Sport returned to the Le Mans track “visited” more than 73 years previously by the Czechoslovakian crew made up of Václav Bobek and Jaroslav Netušil. This year, Michal Velebný and Stanislav Kafka shared the wheel. They obtained excellent results during Friday’s qualifying, completing the lap in 6’47”240 at an average of 120.5 km/h, close to the 126 km/h of the 1950 crew, and did the same during the night tests, which took place partly in the rain with violent gusts of wind.

Czech hopes in the main race (the six categories of cars each completing three 43-minute runs) were spoiled by an accident shortly after the start. In the chicane at the Dunlop corner, the number 44 car skidded shortly after the start of the first run on Saturday and was hit on the left flank by a Lotus which was arriving behind and was unable to avoid it. Both drivers escaped unscathed, but with the deformation of the floor blocking the brake and clutch pedals, the Škoda Sport was unable to resume the race. These mishaps are unfortunately part of motorsport…

In the Village with some iconic Škodas

Škoda had a sustainable and innovative system with a stand in the Village section, facing the tunnel leading to the main entrance around which several icons of the Czech manufacturer were displayed. It made it possible to showcase the models and to receive, downstairs and on the terrace overlooking the village, customers of the Škoda club and guests of Škoda.

The oldest of the Škoda stand, the Popular Monte Carlo from 1937, was a great success. Paying homage to Škoda’s first successes in the famous rally in the 1930s, it is distinguished by its unique design with its streamlined headlights and its “shark” spoiler at the rear splitting the rear window and trunk in two . Produced in 70 copies, only a handful remain today

The 1950 Škoda Supersport was also presented, and was able to demonstrate the track expertise of the Czech manufacturer. The last survivor of the 3 models initially produced, it develops 120 horsepower for 650kg. It demonstrated its qualities until the beginning of the 1960s in Central and Eastern Europe with an enviable track record.

Intended for rallies, the Škoda 200 RS is one of the 3 prototypes developed for FIA group B5 homologation. Designed in 1974, it served as the basis for the “Porsche of the East”, the 130 RS which then won in rallies and then on circuits until the beginning of the 1980s. Its weight/power ratio (753 kg for 165 horses) made it particularly agile and efficient.

Finally, testimonials of the current Škoda range, an Octavia RS and an Enyaq Coupé RS, 100% electric, were exhibited and allowed the public to realize the diversity and attractiveness of the range and its dedicated RS brand. to its most dynamic models.