FIA European Autocross & Crosscar Championship: Nova Paka puts on a show in round five

The FIA ​​European Autocross and Cross Car Championship stopped in Nova Paka, Czech Republic, this weekend for the fifth round of the season. The most challenging and iconic circuit of the year provided a spectacular weekend, featuring a high level of competition, a large number of entrants, and, above all, an exceptional crowd. Once again, the Czech Republic demonstrated its passion for autocross, providing packed grandstands and a unique atmosphere.

Cross Car

In the Cross Car category, Yoann Gillouin secured his second consecutive win at Nova Paka with his Rapace Factory Team. Despite not competing in the full championship, he has proven extremely competitive in every appearance.

Close behind him was Pepa Svorc, who earned his first European podium in the Cross Car category in front of his home crowd thanks to a top-notch performance.

Third place went to Vincent Mercier, who scored his fifth podium in as many races this season. This result moves him up to second in the overall standings, just seven points behind the championship lead.

It was a more complicated weekend for the championship leader, who made a strong start but was penalized by a contact with Ivan Pina in the semifinals. Pina himself was in contention for a podium finish in the final, but a visor issue that completely compromised his visibility forced him to slow down, dropping him to the back of the pack.

Junior Buggy

Hanak reigned supreme in Nova Paka, taking a splendid victory in his home race in front of a large Czech crowd.

Second place went to Joep Cuenen, who delivered another convincing performance that earned him his second consecutive podium finish after his one in Matschenberg.

Completing the podium was Eliska Plna, who capitalized on the opportunity after a weekend of ups and downs, earning crucial championship points.

Third place at the finish line went to Jirijka, who was later disqualified for a contact with Cuenen on the final corner. The penalty thus promoted Eliska Plna to the third step of the podium.

Buggy 1600

The 1600 Buggy provided one of the best shows of the entire weekend, with constant duels between René Mandel, Jakub Novotny, Malone Feuillade, and Hartman.

The semifinal, held in the wet, turned the tables. Hartman, betrayed by the difficult conditions and some contact, was forced to retire.

In the final, René Mandel prevailed, taking his second consecutive victory after Matschenberg and his first historic success on the prestigious Nova Paka track.

Second place went to Czech Jakub Novotny, who was applauded by the home crowd, while third place went to Styn Jaspers, finally back in the spotlight after a particularly difficult start to the season.

Super Buggy

In the premier class, Petr Nikodem secured a history-making victory, taking his Super Buggy to victory in the European race for the first time at Nova Paka.

In front of thousands of Czech fans, Nikodem perfectly managed an extraordinary weekend, securing a victory of great symbolic value.

Following him was Mike Bartelen, who had an excellent weekend and was consistently fighting for the win all the way to the final.

Third place went to Markus Wibbeler, the protagonist of a great comeback after a challenging Sunday morning. A perfect semifinal paved the way for an equally convincing final, which concluded with a deserved podium.

Next stop

The fifth round of the FIA ​​European Autocross Championship is now over after a weekend full of excitement, spectacular races, and an extraordinary turnout.

A special thanks goes to all the spectators who stopped by to say hello throughout the weekend and to everyone who showed us their support.

The next stop is round six of the FIA ​​European Autocross Championship in Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu, France, for another thrilling weekend.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING AFTER ROUND 5

SUPERBUGGY

1 Petr Nikodem 164p
2 Mike Bartelen 126p
3 Markus Wibbeler 117p

BUGGY 1600

1 Malone Feuillade 136p
2 Rene Mandel 127p
3 Jakub Novotny 125p

JUNIORBUGGY

1 LadIslav Hanak JR 170p
2 Joep Cuenen 128p

3 Vojtech Lunak 124p 

CROSSCAR SENIOR

1 David Meat 142p
2 Vincent Mercier 135p
3 Ivan Pina Chinchilla 128p