The Czech Republic has long been one of the most successful countries in ecoRally. The Czech New Energies Rallye in Český Krumlov is part of the FIA ecoRally Cup, and Czech crews have won two world championship titles and one runner-up title in recent years. This season, four Czech crews are among the top twelve in the current World Cup standings. The Czech Republic is also gaining visibility through this lesser-known but rapidly developing discipline, alongside more established Czech sports such as football, ice hockey and tennis.

Meeting the Czech crews also provided an opportunity to learn more about this specific discipline directly from the competitors. Discussions covered the course of the competition, its particularities and the crews’ experiences from previous editions of the ecoRally in China.

The Chinese event took place in Anhui Province, whose capital Hefei is one of China’s rapidly growing centres of the automotive industry and electric mobility. Major domestic manufacturers such as Chery and JAC are based in the province, alongside NIO and other technology companies. Volkswagen also has a significant presence through its manufacturing plant and R&D centre. Anhui therefore provides an interesting perspective on the rapid development of China’s automotive and technology sectors and the pace at which new solutions are being introduced.

Although Anhui does not yet have as well-developed Czech connections as Shanghai, Jiangsu or Zhejiang, the ecoRally provides an interesting opportunity to learn more about the region, establish new contacts and present the Czech Republic in a field that brings together sport, electric mobility and the automotive industry. This format demonstrates that, in today’s dynamic China, sports diplomacy also has its place.

 

Jan Kubačka, Economic Diplomat
Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Shanghai