20 May 2025, Ronalds

The engines are roaring once again! The 2025 FIA European Autocross Championship has officially begun, and fans were treated to a spectacular opening round in Seelow, Germany. The event set the tone for what promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.

With over 150 drivers competing across five categories, Seelow became the stage for drama, determination, and dominance. From unexpected comebacks to debut wins, here is how the action unfolded:

Super Buggy Showdown, Antony Strikes Win Again

All eyes were on the star-studded trio—Bernd Stubbe, Petr Nikodem, and Zdenek Antony—as the titans of the Super Buggy class prepared to battle it out. Yet the path to victory was anything but predictable.

After three intense qualifying heats, Radek Jordák and Mike Bartelen surprisingly led the standings, putting the champions on edge. But in the grand finale, it was Antony who rose to the occasion, delivering a commanding performance and reclaiming his dominance. He secured the win in spectacular fashion, edging out the legendary ten-time champion Bernd Stubbe, who settled for second. Jordák held his ground to take third.

Nikodem, however, faced heartbreak in the final, a broken front wheel, which relegated him to eighth.

Buggy 1600, Danny Van Den Berg wins again

The Buggy 1600 class saw fierce competition with familiar faces returning to the spotlight. Dutch drivers Ricardo Otto and Danny Van Den Berg impressed early on, alongside German driver Rene Mandel, who made a long-awaited return to autocross.

In the final, it was Van Den Berg, an expert of the Seelow circuit, who once again triumphed with clinical precision. Mandel showcased his experience to take a second, while French crowd favourite Damien Crepeau claimed third.

Junior Buggy: A New Star Is Born

Despite several young talents moving up to other classes, the Junior Buggy field continues to thrive, revealing the rise of a new generation. Among them was debutant Ladislav Hanák Jr., who quickly became the story of the weekend.

In his first race in the European Championship, Hanák Jr. grew heat after heat, keeping pace with experienced riders and finally taking a resounding victory. Malone Feuillade and Martin Kolomy, completed the podium with second and third place respectively.

CrossCar: 54 Drivers, One Victory!

Seelow witnessed a record-breaking turnout in the CrossCar category, with an astonishing 54 drivers taking to the track, setting a new benchmark for participation.

As the dust settled, familiar names emerged at the top. Although Ivan Piña had a quiet start during the heats, he came alive in the knockout rounds. A flawless semifinal win earned him pole for the final, where he delivered a textbook performance, leading from the first lap to the checkered flag. David Meat followed closely in a second while Vincent Mercier secured third.

CrossCar Junior: Spanish Sweep Continues

In the CrossCar Junior category, the Spanish domination continued in full force. Iago Rodriguez led the charge with a commanding win, followed by compatriots Oscar Fuertes and Abel Gonzalez.

The trio’s performance suggests that the junior title may well be contested exclusively among Spain’s rising stars, but with the season just beginning, surprises still lie ahead.

This was just the opening round. With the championship now underway, fans alike can expect even more unpredictability, fierce rivalries, and thrilling action in the races to come.

For prediction game players, the season is shaping up to be especially tricky, and picking consistent point scorers will not be easy in such an open field.

Thank you, Seelow, for delivering a true festival of autocross! Next up: Bauska, Latvia, on May 31st – June 1st. We will see you there!