The third round of the Clio Cup at the Slovakia Ring started off great for Julian Smiechowski. The Orlen Janík Motorsport driver made it to the podium for the first time this year, showcasing his potential.
From the qualifying session, it was clear that the Slovakia Ring suited Julian Smiechowski well. The Polish driver clinched pole position for the first time this year, beating his countryman David Dziwok from Carpek Racing by half a second. The first race was marked by intense door-to-door battles in practically every lap. Smiechowski entered the final lap as the race leader, but in the end, Slovenian driver Nik Štefančič crossed the finish line just 196 milliseconds ahead.
„The key to success was a great start. I’m a bit disappointed not to take first place, but it was an amazing day,“ said Smiechowski, who also finished second in the junior rankings.
On Sunday, the top four positions were reversed at the start. Smiechowski’s start was not as strong this time, but he managed to stay within the lead pack of five cars. He finished fifth overall and fourth among the juniors.
„Julian Śmiechowski has shown he is a skilled driver. He’s become completely at ease with the Clio, and we’ve been able to set up the car well,“ noted team manager Václav Janík.
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