This year’s battle for the championship title in the Clio Cup promises to be fascinating. Historically dominated by Tomáš Pekař of Carpek Racing, this season he faces a strong competitor in Bartek Mirecki from BM Racing. Both drivers claimed a victory each at the opening event at Balaton Park.
The first and second sprints at the Hungarian circuit were about their battle for victory. Mirecki and Pekař occupied the top two positions, fiercely contesting the lead. They attempted overtakes, swapped places, and even made slight contact now and then. Nevertheless, it was a fair and immensely thrilling contest that was clearly enjoyed by both the drivers and the spectators. Pekař won the first sprint, with Mirecki taking the second.
The fight for the final podium position was similarly intense. Nik Štefančič from LEMA Racing and newcomer David Dziwok from Carpek Racing vied for third place in both races, Štefančič finished third in the first race, and Dziwok in the second.
Positions from fifth to seventh were consistently the same. Ivan Pulić from LEMA Racing finished fifth, Filip Kunčer from Podgorica Racing took sixth, and Julian Śmiechovski from Orlen Janík Motorsport came in seventh. Valter Nežić always topped the Clio IV category.
With a starting field of twenty-three competitors at Balaton, it’s clear this season will be dramatic. Such a numerous field hasn’t been seen in recent years, and the Clio V has become the new domain of the championship. Twenty of the latest fifth-generation French cars participated, leading to countless battles on the track, whether for victories, podium places, or points in other positions. The upcoming event at Red Bull Ring is sure to be equally dramatic.
RACE RESULTS:
Clio Cup – Qualifying
Clio Cup – Race 1
Clio Cup – Race 2
COMMENTS