Skoda's motorsport story starts with the L&K Slavia in 1901 and continues through iconic models such as the Popular, 1100 OHC and the 130 RS. Across decades the marque secured class wins at Monte Carlo, endurance victories and touring-car and rally titles.
In recent years the Fabia (Super 2000 and R5/Rally2) has driven Škoda to multiple European, regional and national championships between 2009 and 2019.
Popular roadsters placed highly at the Monte Carlo Rally in the mid-1930s, establishing Škoda's prewar racing credentials.
The 1100 OHC and its Sport/Supersport variants were built for competition and preceded the Octavia class victories of the early 1960s.
The 130 RS coupé delivered major rally and touring-car successes, including class victories at Monte Carlo and multiple Acropolis Rally wins.
The Fabia Super 2000 and the later Fabia R5/Rally2 became Škoda's flagship rally cars, contributing to European, Asia-Pacific and numerous national titles.
If anyone follows rally racing regularly they will be familiar with Skoda racing cars. The spirit of sport was ingrained by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, the company's co‑founders, and that sporting tradition remains strong. This article reviews Skoda's motorsport history from 1901 to the present.
The brand's first motor car, the L&K Slavia, appeared in November 1899 and debuted on race routes in June 1901 during the Paris–Berlin run. That event marked the beginning of Skoda's long racing involvement.
In January 1936 the Skoda Popular roadster finished second in the 1500cc class at the Monte Carlo Rally; the Rapid coupé soon followed with strong results. After World War II, three Skoda 1101s won the 24‑hour race at Spa, Belgium. Special Sport and Supersport turbocharged versions and the 1100 OHC roadsters and coupes were produced for competition in the late 1950s.
The Octavia series enjoyed a celebrated era, including three consecutive class victories at the Monte Carlo Rally from 1961 to 1963. The 100 MB and later rear‑engined models led to design lines that culminated in the legendary 130 RS coupé.
The 130 RS and related models scored high-profile wins in the 1970s and early 1980s, including the Monte Carlo and Acropolis rallies and success in touring‑car competition.
Skoda reentered prominent international rallying in 1990 with the Favorit at Monte Carlo, followed by the Octavia kit car and later WRC entries. The Fabia WRC competed in the World Rally Championship from 2003 to 2007.
In the all‑wheel drive and S2000 categories the Fabia Super 2000 and later Fabia R5/Rally2 achieved extensive success. Between 2009 and 2014 Fabia Super 2000 drivers claimed dozens of national and international titles, and the Fabia R5/Rally2 helped Skoda Motorsport secure Constructors' and other championship titles through the 2010s.
The story of Skoda in motorsport remains active, with the brand and its teams continuing to compete and win in regional and international rallying.