It has now broken cover for the all-new Fabia RS Rally2, the successor to the WRC 2 championship-winning Fabia Rally2 driven by Andreas Mikkelsen and Kalle Rovanpera.

Developed from Skoda's fourth-generation Fabia road car, the new Fabia RS Rally2 consists of a number of upgrades. Through its five-speed sequential transmission, the new car's turbocharged 1.6-liter engine produces 216kw (289bhp) and 430Nm torque.

Michal Hrabanek, head of Skoda Motorsports, explained that this is not a revolution, but an evolution. Motorsport is a field where standing still means going backward, Hrabanek said.

'We took the experience gained from the predecessor model and optimized every detail in the development of the new Fabia RS Rally2.

In order to improve the most successful rally car in history, we made improvements. Skoda Motorsport has worked hard to achieve this goal with great dedication, and I am very proud of them.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the colleagues in Series Development, as the Fabia RS Rally2 built on the fourth-generation platform has been perfect.

With 35.8 meter-long steel tubes for the roll cage, the body shell of the new car is not only safer but also designed for better weight distribution.

Additionally, the car will feature a brand-new aerodynamics package, as well as an upgraded braking system. In the RS Fabia, the suspension travel is longer and the electrical system is more advanced.

Mikkelsen, the reigning WRC2 champion and former WRC rally winner, has already undertaken a comprehensive testing program with the car.

Mikkelsen said on social media, 'It has been a great pleasure to be involved in the development and bring this car to life.' I can't wait to get my hands on it.' 'Near future' is the anticipated release date for the new machine.