After his excellent performance at the 3rd and 4th round of the European Touring Car Cup (ETCC) at the Slovakia Ring in Orechová Potôň in late April, young Slovak racing driver Maťo Homola experienced disappointment at a subsequent round of the ETCC at Austria's Salzburgring on May 20.
“I drove the second free practice on Friday, when suddenly, on the 11th lap, in the last turn, my engine stopped working,” Homola told The Slovak Spectator, continuing: “The engine speed dropped, the engine did not respond to the throttle and I rolled into the pits. The engine then died.”
After his high-ranking finished at the Slovakia Ring – he recorded two overall fifth places and came third in his category – expectations were high. “Until the incident happened, we were among the leaders. I felt that the engine was working well, and faster than the one I had at the Slovakia Ring.” However, the engine, which was nearing the end of its operating life and due to be sent to Denmark for a rebuild, didn’t last long enough for Homola to compete in the race.
Despite his disappointment, the driver was phlegmatic. “It [the ETCC] is a great school and it gives me a lot of experience. To race alongside the WTCC [World Touring Car Championship] is a great feeling,“ Homola said. Asked if he was satisfied with his results at the Slovakia Ring, he said: “Given the circumstances there – a malfunctioning clutch and a weaker engine – I definitely am. Standing in front of so many fans on the podium is a great feeling.”
His plans for the future are now clear – to fix the engine, put the car in order, and drive in as many races as possible in order to gain experience.
