The third round of the 2025 Clio Cup season took place on 30–31 May at Austria’s Salzburgring, where Polish drivers once again set the pace. Championship leader Bartlomiej Mirecki claimed victory in the opening race, while Julian Smiechowski took top honours in Race 2.
The ultra-fast Salzburgring layout provided the perfect stage for intense battles throughout a field of more than 20 Renault Clio Cup cars. Slipstreaming, drafting and countless overtaking opportunities defined the weekend, delivering exactly what Clio Cup fans have come to expect: close, action-packed racing from lights to flag.
Mirecki secured pole position in qualifying and lined up alongside Tomáš Pekař on the front row. The opening race featured relentless door-to-door action, but it was Mirecki who held firm when it mattered most. Remaining at the front through the decisive final lap, he secured his third victory of the season and further strengthened his lead in the championship standings. Pekař crossed the line in second place, ahead of Rafał Paprota, Matic Preša and fifth-placed Oskar Marszałkowski.
The second race presented a different challenge for both Mirecki and Pekař, who started from the fifth row of the grid. On the front row were team-mates Dawid Babraj and Julian Smiechowski, giving the Polish duo a golden opportunity to take control of the race.
Both drivers made excellent starts, with Smiechowski leading Babraj into the opening laps. Working together effectively in the slipstream, they managed to build a gap over the chasing pack and put themselves in position for a one-two finish.
Their strategy was proving successful, and although Mirecki eventually fought his way up to third place and began closing the gap, the race took a decisive turn seven minutes from the finish. Matic Preša became stranded in the gravel trap, triggering a caution period. The safety car was deployed, and the field remained neutralised all the way to the chequered flag.
Smiechowski therefore secured victory ahead of Babraj and Mirecki, while Sodnik finished fourth. Pekař completed the top five.
The third round of the Clio Cup season ultimately belonged to the Polish drivers, and the championship will resume on 1–2 August at the Autodrom Most.
RACE RESULTS
Qualifying Results
Race 1 Results
Race 2 Results
Drivers Standings
Teams Standings
Rookies Standings
Juniors Standings
Gentlemen Standings
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