25 June 2025, Ronalds

Cunewalde, Germany – The FIA European Autocross Championship continues its summer tour with Round 4 set to roar into the iconic Matschenberg Offroad Arena from June 28 to 29, 2025. Known for its lightning-fast layout, steep gradients, and lush forest surroundings, this legendary circuit promises another action-packed weekend across five high-octane categories: SuperBuggy, Buggy1600, JuniorBuggy, Cross Car, and Junior Cross Car.

Nestled in the scenic Oberlausitzer Bergland near the village of Cunewalde in Saxony, Matschenberg has been a cornerstone of German autocross for over four decades. First carved into the hillside in 1977, the track hosted its inaugural race in 1979 under East German rule. It has since evolved into one of Europe’s premier off-road racing destinations. The circuit officially joined the FIA European Autocross Championship calendar in 1999 and has remained a fan-favourite stop ever since.

Track Specifications: Where Speed Meets Elevation

Length: 820 meters

Surface: Gravel, loam, and sand, with a concrete start grid

Width: 11 to 16 meters

Elevation Change: 30 meters, including a steep 38% climb

Layout: Counter-clockwise, with long straights and fast-flowing curves


Class by Class: What to Expect on Matschenberg’s High-Speed Hillside

Crosscar junior

New Ground for Young Drivers: Junior Cross Car Debuts at Malschenberg

For the first time in its history, the Junior Cross Car category will race at the legendary Matschenberg track. While drivers in similar machinery competed here back in 2022-2023 under the former CrossCar Academy Trophy, this marks a fresh chapter for the new generation. With most of the grid never having tackled this fast and demanding circuit before, the spotlight will be on who can adapt quickest to the unique layout. Will the few with prior experience hold an edge, or will a rookie rise above the rest and claim a landmark victory?

French Fortress: Will the Cross Car Streak Continue?

The Cross Car category has been dominated by French drivers at Matschenberg over the past three seasons David Meat in 2022, Valentin Comte in 2023, and Olivier Barre last year.  As we approach the 2025 edition, all eyes turn to see whether this French stronghold will hold once more. Could we witness another showdown between Meat and Spain’s Ivan Pina Chinchilla? Or perhaps a three-way duel if Yoann Gillouin joins the fight? Expect nothing less than a high-speed chess match between some of the most elite drivers in the category.

Junior Buggy: A Battle Without Prediction

In Junior Buggy, forecasting a winner is nearly impossible this season. Not only is the field packed with talent, but mechanical reliability could play a deciding role. The margin for error is razor-thin—just four points separate current championship leader Martin Kolomy and third-place contender Ladislav Hanak. On a track that demands perfection, the fight for every position—and every point—will be intense. This is a class where anything can happen, and usually does.

Buggy 1600: Who Will Rise in Wibbeler’s Absence?

In recent years, German hometown hero Markus Wibbeler reigned supreme in Buggy 1600, taking back-to-back wins at Matschenberg in 2023 and 2024. But with Wibbeler not participating in this year’s championship, the door is wide open. Fellow German Rene Mandel has already made waves with his win in Nyirád and could very well keep the title hopes on home soil. However, with a dozen capable challengers in the mix, expect the unexpected!

SuperBuggy Showdown: Champions Collide on German Soil

The SuperBuggy class is set for a blockbuster showdown. While Czech legends Petr Nikodem and Zdenek Antony have historically dominated at Matschenberg, this season hasn’t followed the usual script. That said, the Czech duo still possesses the pace and pedigree to contend at the front. Standing in their way? None other than ten-time European champion and current championship leader, alongside French star Robert Theuil, who currently sits second in the standings and showed podium pace here last year. With so much on the line, the spectators at Cunewalde will bear witness to a battle worthy of champions.

As the engines roar to life and gravel fills the air, the entire European autocross family converges on Germany's motorsport jewel—Matschenberg Offroad Arena. With title hopes, pride, and history at stake, Round 4 promises to deliver unforgettable moments at every turn.

Join us on June 28–29, 2025, for Round 4 of the FIA European Autocross Championship at Matschenberg Offroad Arena in Cunewalde, Germany — where horsepower meets hills, and legends are written on gravel. Feel the adrenaline, cheer for your heroes, and be part of the story. Don’t forget to enter our AX MAGAZINE ITALIA prediction game and test your racing instincts. See you at the track!