The upcoming race fabia benefits from the aerodynamics of the serial version, says Škoda Motorsport

Improving the airflow around the body was one of the main motivations at the premiere of the fourth generation of the Skoda Fabia. The car produced has an air resistance of only 0.28 cc compared to its predecessor with 0.32 cx.

The reason is simple, the Fabia has no electrified versions and standard consumption, and the closely monitored emissions can now be compressed well by more efficient aerodynamics. Especially at the time of measurement of emissions in real conditions.

The racing version should benefit greatly from this approach. “The aerodynamic elements used in the production car proved to be excellent in the competition environment and were an excellent basis for the competition car’s aerodynamic solution,” explains Lukáš Vojík from Technical Development and adds that car.

The standard Fabia is equipped with slots on both edges of the front bumper, which are the so-called air curtains. These direct airflow around the body side panels and front wheels. The racing department’s engineers chose a similar front bumper solution for the new generation Rally2 competition.

In racing cars, the air curtains work in tandem with the front splitter located across the entire width of the arch, effectively improving the overall aerodynamic properties of the front end.

According to Rally2 group regulations, engineers had to find new ways to improve the balance between air pressure and air resistance in a future race car. For example, active aerodynamic elements are prohibited. Therefore, the race car must do without the electrically adjustable blinds located in the lower intake vent at the front, which reduce air resistance as standard.

The two main points of the aerodynamics are the new rear spoiler and the smooth airflow over the roof. “According to Rally2 group regulations, the rear spoiler of the new generation of rally cars is much larger than the small spoiler of a road car. “The new generation of the race car achieves twice the pressure of the current race car,” says Voic.

The development team verified simulations made by measuring wind tunnel models, followed by extensive real-world testing. Recently, several test drivers sat at the wheel of the development car on gravel and asphalt roads in Spain.