At just 21 years old, Filip Kohn has achieved a meteoric rise in rally racing, evolving from a wide-eyed newcomer to a prominent competitor in the European Rally Championship. This journey, which began only three years ago, is now accelerating towards the pinnacle of motorsport, with Kohn ambitiously setting his sights on a full season behind the wheel of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. For Kohn, every race behind the wheel of the Fabia RS Rally2 is not only a competition but a dream come true.
Reflecting on his recent races with the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, Kohn’s enthusiasm is evident in this interview on Škoda Motorsport’s website. “I say that first ride with her in Lausitz was the best day of my life,” he reminisces, recalling the first time he drove the car. For Kohn, this wasn’t just another race; it was an incredible experience that marked a new chapter in his rally career. “For the first time, I got to experience how to drive a proper rally car. Compared to a Rally3 car, it’s a big leap,” he says. From increased power to precision handling, the Fabia RS Rally2 is built with purpose—a rally car that demands both respect and a keen understanding of its nuances.
Kohn’s initiation into the world of rallying wasn’t an obvious path. Growing up in Příbram, Czech Republic, his love for motorsport ignited early. By age five, he was already enamored with quad bikes, an experience that deepened over the years through hands-on explorations with his father. However, it wasn’t until he was 18 that he first tried rallying, marking a pivotal moment in his life. “In the first race I didn’t know what I was doing, in the third we finished on the podium,” Kohn recalls. That podium finish was a transformative moment, fueling his competitive drive and solidifying his passion for rallying. “That was probably the turning point when I really started to enjoy it and found the desire to look for hundredths and tenths to just get better and better.”
Driving the Fabia RS Rally2 has been an entirely new experience. “It’s especially in the fast sections, where the car in fourth and fifth gear still goes all the way to the limiter,” Kohn explains, describing the stark differences between Rally3 and Rally2 cars. “In such situations, the Rally3 car loses its breath a bit. Also, compared to the Rally3 car, which is driven by such a power slide, the Fabia RS Rally2 drives like on rails.” This increased stability and power are crucial, yet they require a completely different driving style—something Kohn has been adapting to with determination.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Learning to drive the Fabia RS Rally2 at its limit takes time and patience. “We’ve chosen a path in the team of gradually learning, getting faster and gaining confidence in the car and feeling good about it,” he shares. “It’s taken me quite a while to get my head around how the car works, and I think it’s going to take me a little longer still.” This approach has allowed Kohn to fine-tune his skills gradually, building a foundation of trust in his car and growing his capabilities one race at a time.
One of the elements that excites Kohn the most about rallying is the ever-changing nature of the sport. “I enjoy the changeable conditions the most,” he says. For Kohn, rallying isn’t simply about racing; it’s a complex dance involving pace notes, cooperation with his co-driver, car setup, and much more. “It’s not just about getting in the car and driving. Everything must come together, and when it does, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
In terms of personal preference, Kohn admits that he gravitates toward gravel over tarmac, despite his background. “Even though I come from a tarmac environment, I like gravel. It’s a different feeling, you must feel the car more, work with it more, you drive more sideways, it’s a completely different driving style.” While his experience on gravel with the Fabia RS Rally2 has been limited to a single test, he eagerly anticipates more opportunities to push his limits on the surface he loves.
Kohn understands the mental challenges that come with rallying, emphasizing the importance of focus and discipline. “Of course, a driver must have talent, he must be fast, but it’s also a lot about the head,” he explains. The intensity of rallying demands mental endurance, with drivers needing to process pace notes, adapt driving styles, and maintain peak concentration. “It was hard to listen to the pace notes, read the road, and concentrate on driving,” Kohn admits. However, as he’s gained experience, this focus has become second nature, and his increased physical fitness has also helped him maintain stamina through grueling competitions.
Kohn’s rally journey is just beginning, but his drive and commitment to the sport are evident. His goal for a full season with the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 speaks volumes about his aspirations and determination. “Driving the Fabia RS Rally2 is my dream and goal for next season,” Kohn says. And with his growing skill set and unyielding passion, the Czech rally prodigy is well on his way to making that dream a reality.