Škoda star Černý chasing Nyirád revenge

Eleven months ago, Jan Černý came agonisingly close to taking his first FIA European Rallycross Championship win at Nyirád. At Euro RX of Hungary this weekend (29-30 April), he is firmly focussed on finishing the job.

Černý topped the intermediate standings in Hungary last season, propelling his little Pajr Motorsport Škoda Citigo to the head of the order ahead of the usually all-conquering Audis. In the final, it was only a brace of small errors that prevented what would arguably have been the upset of the season as her conceded the lead to eventual champion Kobe Pauwels almost within sight of the chequered flag.

While unable to contest the full Euro RX3 campaign in 2023, the 32-year-old Czech ace is back at Nyirád – where he is aiming to reprise his giant-killing role, albeit this time with a happier ending.

“Last year, I made a couple of mistakes in the final,” Černý reflected. “It wasn’t perfect, but I like this track – for me, it’s maybe the best – and I think we’re ready.

“Kobe isn’t here anymore, but the other drivers are also really fast and on a similar level, so it’s still going to be extremely tough.

“That said, our target is to beat them. We are fully focussed on first place – the goal this weekend is to win. It won’t be easy, but that’s what we’re here for.”