Máté Benyó has been selected as the standout
rookie from the 2023 international rallycross campaign, after coming out on top
in a poll canvassing the opinions of fans and industry insiders.
Benyó faced some stiff opposition in the
contest, from fellow Euro RX1 ace Patrick O’Donovan and countryman Balázs
Körmöczi (Euro RX3), not to mention flying Finn Tommi Hallman – undefeated in his
two RX2e appearances last year – title-contending Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
(RX2e) and Euro RX3 front-runner Jens Hvaal.
Right from the outset, it was clear that Benyó
was something pretty special, and if he was largely an unknown on the European
scene prior to the start of the 2023 season, he would not remain so for long.
Fourth-fastest in opening practice in the Nyirád
curtain-raiser – behind only big-hitters Anton Marklund, Andreas Bakkerud and Jānis
Baumanis, European champions all – the Hungarian proceeded to post the second-best
time in heat three and reach the final on his debut in the high-calibre field.
Fair enough, said the sceptics, but he knew the
track well – let’s see how Benyó fares at circuits where he has no prior
experience. The answer was unequivocal. In half of the heats in Portugal and
Norway, the Korda Racing ace placed inside the top
four – on three of those occasions, going second-quickest again.
He may have struggled slightly over the second
half of the campaign, but the pace and palpable potential remained, making Máté
Benyó a thoroughly deserving recipient of the ‘Rookie of the Year’ accolade.
“This is truly an honour for me,” enthused the 22-year-old. “Just over a year
ago, I wasn't even sure if I would be competing in the European Rallycross Championship,
and now, one year later, I’ve completed my first international season, filled
with valuable experiences and memories.
“Being chosen as ‘Rookie of the Year’ shows me that industry experts and
fans have taken notice of me and see potential in me. I’m very grateful to my
team, Korda Racing, and my main partner, the Hungarian Motorsport Academy, for
giving me the opportunity to compete in Euro RX1 in 2023. Last but not least, I
want to thank my fans for voting for me. This gives me a tremendous boost to
repay their trust and bring them joy with even better results this year.”
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